Gardening regulations and safety risks for homeowners

Gardeners face various legal and safety risks related to plant and wood management. According to the Office National des Forêts (ONF), storing firewood directly on the ground can create a habitat for vipers by attracting insects and rodents.

Environmental regulations also impose strict rules on hedge maintenance. Trimming hedges, such as laurel, during the nesting period between March 15 and July 31 can lead to significant fines of up to 150,000 euros and potential prison sentences if protected bird habitats are destroyed. Additionally, planting invasive species like running bamboo or Japanese knotweed can result in legal liability and high repair costs if their aggressive root systems damage neighboring properties.

To maintain healthy gardens, landscapers suggest a gradual, weekly approach to hedge trimming in autumn rather than radical seasonal cuts, which can lead to thinning and dead branches in the spring.