Bamboo Planting and Neighborhood Conflicts: What Are You Allowed To Do?

Questioner

We want to plant a non-invasive bamboo hedge of about 3-4 meters high 50 cm from the fence so that we don't have to see all the extensions (with different roofs) of the neighbor behind us. We can't consult with the neighbor behind us because unfortunately there is already a conflict. Can we plant the bamboo?

Lawyer

Bamboo is a type of grass and will not be considered a tree. It is only a tree if, measured from the ground level at 120 cm, the trunk has a diameter of at least 10 cm, and a bamboo does not reach that, at most 8 to 9 cm. It is also the case that bamboo does not fall under a hedge, hedgerow, shrub or tree, it is a crop, to be precise a type of grass, and you can let grasses grow anywhere, but that is besides the point. There is a but, in this, you have to make sure that the roots cannot creep to the neighbors and that no stalks hang over their side of the fence. Since Bamboo will create enormous root growth over time, you are liable for the consequential damage to the neighbors. So this is worth thinking about. Try to remain in consultation at all times, possibly with a lawyer on hand.