How high may a tree grow 50 cm from the neighbours' property line?

Questioner

The neighbors have had a 2.5 meter high pergola built with greenery growing over it that also hangs over our property line. Is this allowed? There is a tree 50 cm from the property line that now reaches almost 5 meters into the air from the ground and the branches hang over our property line. Is this allowed?

Lawyer

You do not have to tolerate overhanging branches and greenery: you may demand that your neighbours remove them for you and if they refuse, you may do so. A tree may not be within two metres of the property boundary unless your municipality allows a smaller distance (often 50 cm). You calculate the exact distance from half the thickness of the trunk. If the tree is in a prohibited zone and is not older than 20 years, you may demand that it be shortened to the maximum height of the fence. For pergolas, plants may not be within the prohibited zone. The law is 50 cm. But your municipality may allow a different distance. This is stated in a municipal regulation.