Can I plant a hedge on the property boundary?
Yes, respecting the distances. The Civil Code (article 671) sets, absent a local rule or custom, the planting distances from the boundary: a planting meant to exceed 2 metres tall must be at least 2 metres from the boundary; a planting of 2 metres or less can be planted 0.50 metre from it. The distance is measured from the middle of the trunk to the boundary, and the height from the ground. Always check the local plan (PLU) and local customs, which may set other distances.
📋 The rules
- Planting > 2 m tall: at ≥ 2 m from the boundary
- Planting ≤ 2 m tall: at ≥ 0.50 m from the boundary
- Distance measured from the middle of the trunk to the boundary
- Local rules and customs may set other distances
- The neighbour can require removal or trimming if not respected
🔓 Exceptions
- Party wall: espalier planting possible without distance, not above the crest
- Trees in place over 30 years: prescription (the right to require removal may lapse)
- The PLU may require hedges or local species
⚠️ Penalties & fines
If the distances aren't respected, the neighbour can force you to remove or trim the planting back to the regulation height — a right that nonetheless lapses after 30 years of the tree's presence. A poorly kept hedge that encroaches or blocks light can also lead to an action for abnormal neighbour disturbance and damages. Better to settle amicably before any dispute.
📎 Official sources
- Service-Public.fr · Tree planting distances →
- Légifrance · Article 671 of the Civil Code →
- Légifrance · Article 672 of the Civil Code →
❓ Frequently asked
How far from the neighbour to plant a hedge?
Absent a local rule, a planting over 2 m tall must be at least 2 m from the boundary; a planting of 2 m or less can be 0.50 m. The distance is measured from the middle of the trunk to the boundary.
Can my neighbour make me cut my hedge?
Yes, if the legal distances aren't respected, they can require removal or trimming to the regulation height. This right nonetheless lapses after 30 years of the planting's presence.
How is the height measured?
From ground level to the top of the planting. It's the intended/reached height that sets the minimum distance: above 2 m tall, you must keep 2 m back from the boundary.
Does the local rule prevail?
Yes. The Civil Code distances apply only absent a local rule or custom. The PLU or local customs may set other distances or require certain species: check with the town hall.
And an already old hedge?
If the tree or hedge has been in place over 30 years without challenge, the right to require removal for breaching the distances is in principle time-barred. Trimming duties at the boundary may still remain.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “hedge planting distance neighbour”
- “hedge boundary 2 metres”
- “plant tree 0.50 m boundary”
- “civil code 671 planting”
- “neighbour force cut hedge”
- “hedge height regulation”