Are you bothered by your neighbor's plantings?

Are you bothered by your neighbor's plantings?

Some trees or shrubs grow so fast that they sometimes dare to cross the property boundary. We summarize what is allowed and what is not.

At what distance from the property boundary can you plant something?

- Low trees, shrubs and ivy must be planted at least 0.5 meters from the property boundary.

- High trees (such as an oak) must be planted at least 2 meters from the property boundary.

Attention: In some cities or municipalities there are exceptions for planting trees. It is therefore best to always check with your municipality what the usual distances are.

Still an inconvenience?

Even when the planting is at the legal distance, neighbors may still experience inconvenience, e.g. due to overhanging branches, falling leaves/fruits, tree roots, ... In case of overhanging vegetation, you may not prune yourself, but you do have the right to demand your neighbor to do so. On the other hand, if tree roots are growing into your garden, you are allowed to chop them off yourself.

If something is bothering you, first talk to your neighbor about it and try to find a solution together. Is your neighbor not cooperating? Then go to court. There you will have to prove that your neighbor's planting is actually a nuisance. A judge looks at each case individually and then makes a decision.