How far from my neighbour's boundary do I have to plant a tree or hedge?
In short
There are minimum distances. Trees that are at least 2 metres tall must be at least 2 m from the boundary. Other trees, shrubs and hedges must be at least 0,5 m away.
Video transcript
You want to plant a big tree right up against the boundary with your neighbour. Required: Trees 2 metres tall or more must be at least 2 m from the boundary; other trees, shrubs and hedges at least 0.5 m. The right way: Measure the distance before you plant. Plant a tree that will grow big well away from the boundary. If you break the rule: Fine: None; Neighbour: Can demand pruning/removal; If you disagree: Justice of the peace.
What is not allowed, what is required?
- The rule is in Article 3.133 of Book 3 of the new Civil Code and applies everywhere in Belgium.
- Trees at least 2 metres tall: at least 2 m from the boundary. The distance is measured from the middle of the base of the trunk.
- Other trees, shrubs and hedges (haag / haie): at least 0,5 m from the boundary.
- If there is a wall or fence along the boundary and the plant is no taller than it, the distance rule does not apply.
- The rule does not apply if you have a different agreement (contract) with your neighbour on this, or if the plant has been in the same place for more than 30 years. It is advisable to put the agreement in writing so that you can prove it.
Penalty and indirect consequences
- Fine / payment
- No fine. Your neighbour can ask for the plant to be pruned or removed.
Legal basis:BW Boek 3, art. 3.133
- Court / prison
- No prison sentence. If there is a dispute, the justice of the peace (vredegerecht / justice de paix) decides.
Legal basis:Ger.W. art. 591, 3°
What really matters: the indirect consequences
- You may have to remove or prune the tree
Legal basis:BW Boek 3, art. 3.133
- The judge can refuse your neighbour's request if it amounts to an abuse of rights
Legal basis:BW Boek 3, art. 3.133
- Before you plant a large tree, also check the municipality's planning rules
What do these terms mean?
- Justice of the peace
- The local court in every canton for everyday disputes such as neighbour conflicts, rent and small debts. It first tries to reconcile the parties.
Why does this rule exist?
Trees very close to the boundary cast shade over the neighbour's garden, and their roots can damage walls and pipes. A clear distance rule prevents disputes later on.
Where can you go?
- Neighbourhood mediationA free service of the municipality (buurtbemiddeling / médiation de quartier)
- Neighbourhood police officerProblems that are not urgent (wijkagent / agent de quartier)
- MunicipalityPolice regulation, permits and appeals against a GAS fine
- Social interpreterAt the municipality, the OCMW/CPAS, school and hospital, you can ask for an interpreter in your language; it is often free.
This site does not handle individual cases; it points you to the right service. All help addresses
Source and reliability
Official source- Source check
- 10 / 10 statements in an official source
- Checked: 02.11.2026
- Last checked
- 12.10.2026
- Rules can change
Show the 10 checked statementsopen
- Found in an official source
Dikim mesafeleri: BW md. 3.133
BW art. 3.133 (Afstanden van beplantingen) - Found in an official source
En az 2 m boyundaki ağaç: 2 m, gövde dibinin ortasından
BW Boek 3, art. 3.133 - Found in an official source
Diğer ağaç, çalı ve çit: 0,5 m
BW Boek 3, art. 3.133 - Found in an official source
Ayırıcı çitten/duvardan yüksek olmayan bitkiler muaf
BW Boek 3, art. 3.133 - Found in an official source
30 yıldan uzun süredir duran bitki ve sözleşmeyle aksi kararlaştırılan durumlar muaf
BW Boek 3, art. 3.133 - Found in an official source
Komşu budama/sökme isteyebilir; hâkim hakkın kötüye kullanılmasıysa reddedebilir
BW Boek 3, art. 3.133 - Found in an official source
Komşu sınır anlaşmazlıklarında sulh hâkimi yetkilidir
Ger.W. art. 591, 3° - Found in an official source
Komşu, kısa mesafedeki bitkinin budanmasını veya sökülmesini isteyebilir
BW Boek 3, art. 3.133 - Found in an official source
Hâkim, hakkın kötüye kullanılmasıysa talebi reddedebilir
BW Boek 3, art. 3.133 - Found in an official source
Düzeltme (Kasım 2026 doğrulaması): Komşuyla YAZILI başka anlaşma
BW art. 3.133
The checked statements are in Turkish, as in the source text. This check does not replace legal advice.
General information, not legal advice. For your own situation, ask a lawyer or free legal aid. How was this information prepared?