French law regulates vegetation distances between neighbors

Under French law, specific regulations govern the distance and management of vegetation shared between neighboring properties. According to the Civil Code, the required distance from a property boundary depends on the height of the plant at maturity or at the time of the dispute.

Plants under 2 meters in height must be situated at least 50 centimeters from the neighbor's property line. For plants exceeding 2 meters, a minimum distance of 2 meters is required. Height is measured from the ground to the top of the plant, and distance is measured from the center of the trunk rather than the edge of the branches.

While national rules provide a general framework, local municipalities or homeowners' association regulations may impose stricter constraints. A neighbor may legally request the reduction or removal of a plant that is too close to their parcel, even without proving specific harm, provided the legal distance requirements are not met.