Can I cut my neighbour's branches overhanging my plot in Sweden?
Yes — you may remove branches and roots growing in from the neighbour's plot that cause a nuisance. This follows from the Land Code ch. 3 §2. But if removal risks seriously harming the tree, the neighbour must first get the chance to do it themselves. Cut only up to the boundary line — never further in, never the trunk itself, and never fell the whole tree. The nuisance must be more than trivial, for example roots cracking asphalt or branches blocking light. You pay yourself to cut the parts that overhang; you cannot bill the neighbour.
📋 The rules
- You may remove branches/roots that grow in and disturb
- Cut only up to the boundary line, never the trunk
- If it risks serious harm: the neighbour gets the first chance
- The nuisance must be more than trivial
- You pay yourself — cannot bill the neighbour
🔓 Exceptions
- Where significant damage is risked, the neighbour's first right to act applies
- Failing to remove a hazardous tree can also breach the consideration rule
- Protected trees (permit, detailed plan) may not be removed despite the neighbour right
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Over-cutting — the trunk, beyond the boundary or so the tree dies — brings liability for the tree's value (no fixed amount; large cases have reached hundreds of thousands of kronor) and can be unlawful interference.
📎 Official sources
- Land Code (1970:994) ch. 3 · Riksdagen →
- Villaägarna · Relations between neighbours →
- Swedish EPA · Trees and plots →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I cut branches overhanging my plot?
Yes, if they cause a nuisance. But if it risks seriously harming the tree, the neighbour must first get to act.
How far can I cut?
Only up to the boundary line. You may not cut further in, not the trunk, and not fell the whole tree.
Must I ask the neighbour first?
Only if cutting risks significant harm to the tree. For minor work you may cut directly.
Who pays for the cutting?
You pay yourself to remove the parts that overhang. You cannot bill the neighbour.
What happens if I cut too much?
You can be liable for the tree's value, and it can be unlawful interference.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “can I cut neighbour branches sweden”
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