A natural hedge along your garden is a tempting prospect! However, you must be mindful of neighborhood rules: roots, branches, maintenance… all these factors require careful thought. Between the legal distance to be respected, the choice of plants, and best planting practices, it is best to be well-informed before reaching for the spade and saplings. Here are the essential rules for planting your hedge with peace of mind, without creating tension with your neighbors.
Planting a natural hedge near an existing fence requires compliance with certain rules. We guide you through the various steps and regulations to ensure your project is successful and legally compliant.
Legal distances: the essential rules
Planting distances vary depending on the height of your future hedge. For shrubs under 2 meters tall, a minimum setback of 50 cm from the property line is mandatory. For heights exceeding 2 meters, this distance increases to 2 meters.
These rules may vary depending on your municipality. We advise you to consult the Local Urban Plan (PLU) or contact your local town hall before starting your work.
We have written a guide on this subject: What distance must be respected between a fence and a hedge?
Choosing your hedge: criteria to consider
The choice of hedge plants depends on several factors. Exposure, climate, and desired maintenance will guide your decision. Evergreen hedges such as thuja or laurel offer year-round screening, while deciduous hedges provide more biodiversity.
Clôture Discount offers various solutions to support your planting, such as supports and mesh fencing adapted to plant growth.
Hedge maintenance and responsibilities
Regular maintenance of your hedge is a legal obligation. Pruning must be carried out to:
- Maintain the regulatory height
- Avoid any encroachment onto the neighbor’s property
- Preserve plant health
- Ensure safety (specifically road visibility)
Our team recommends planning at least two prunings per year to keep a hedge healthy and compliant with regulations.
Good neighborly relations: always prioritize dialogue!
Good communication with your neighbor is essential before starting your planting project. No one wants to be caught off guard by a fait accompli.
Prior agreement, even verbal, often prevents future conflicts. Do not hesitate to share your plans and discuss plant choices. If your neighbor is reluctant, put your various choices and mutual agreements in writing to avoid unpleasant surprises in the future.
A well-maintained hedge that respects legal distances helps to maintain good neighborly relations.
Artificial hedges: the practical solution
While the desire to screen and define your garden with a beautiful hedge is understandable, be aware that very convincing artificial solutions exist today.
Our range of artificial hedge screening is perfect for making your mesh or fence opaque, while giving a more natural and warm feel to your home.
The advantage? Zero maintenance required! Say goodbye to hedge diseases, watering, and pruning… There is also no need to enter into negotiations with your neighbor to find a solution that satisfies both parties.
Expert in fencing, gates, and outdoor landscaping since 2019.
Holds a Master’s degree in Digital Marketing – SEO, UX/UI.
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