Planting a tall hedge: law and rules

Questioner

I would like to plant a high hedge (3-4 meters), about 80 cm from the property boundary. I found the information below online. Is this correct? The neighbors probably won't agree, but I don't have enough privacy. So I have to be sure it's allowed. Hedges: A hedge is not seen as a building, there is then no permit is required. A hedge can be planted anywhere in the garden and can also be higher than 2 meters. Thank you for your help.

Lawyer

The maximum permitted height of a hedge behind and next to the house is in principle 2 meters. In front of the house this is 1 meter. This is different when the rules of the municipal regulation or local custom deviate from this. This can differ per municipality. In your case, I would inquire with your municipality what is stipulated in the municipal regulation. Planting the hedge 80 cm from the property line is permitted. The maximum distance from the property line must be 0.5 metres or 50 cm.

Lawyer

Planting a hedge and letting it grow high for privacy is fine. There is nothing wrong with that. But... if you plant the hedge about 80 cm from the property line, then the hedge will have a second function, namely property separation. And then the rules of the Neighbour Law come into play: (1) shrubs must be at least 50 cm away from the property boundary and trees at least 2 metres, as plants need space to grow; (2) hedges that grow rapidly are soon no longer regarded as shrubs but as trees - conifers are also trees; (3) trees and hedges may also be planted close to the property boundary and grow there, but may not grow higher than 2 metres - near the property boundary, planting has the same status as fences and railings and these may also not be higher than 2 metres; (4) Planting must not cause 'green nuisance' for neighbours: lots of leaf litter, no more sunlight in the garden, etc. If I apply these rules to your desire for privacy, I think it would be wise to consider whether your hedge can be planted a little further away - at least 2 metres - from the property boundary, so that the hedge can also grow higher than 2 metres without any worries. In addition, I advise you to discuss your privacy wishes with your neighbors and to see whether - the hedge - once it is 4 meters high - will not cause any green nuisance for them - there are other options for your privacy wishes.