# French hedge and vegetation regulations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/french-hedge-and-vegetation-regulations
> Updated: 2026-08-25T05:33:18.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

French regulations govern the maintenance and placement of hedges and greenery to protect biodiversity and manage property boundaries.

Environmental laws, codified in the Code de l’environnement, prohibit trimming laurel hedges between 15 March and 31 July to safeguard nesting birds such as blackbirds, great tits, and robins. Violations are classified as criminal offenses, potentially resulting in up to three years in prison and fines reaching €150,000. Enforcement is managed by the Office Français de la Biodiversité.

Separately, Article 671 of the Civil Code dictates height and distance requirements for vegetation near property lines. Plants exceeding 2 meters in height must be at least 2 meters from a boundary, while those under 2 meters must be at least 50 centimeters away. Non-compliance can lead to legal proceedings under Article 672, where neighbors may demand the reduction or removal of vegetation.

## Claims

- Article 671 of the French Civil Code regulates the distances and heights of plantings near property boundaries. (single source)
- Plantings exceeding 2 meters in height must be located at least 2 meters from the property boundary. (single source)
- Plantings under 2 meters in height must be at least 50 centimeters from the property boundary. (single source)
- Article 672 allows neighbors to demand the reduction or removal of illegal plantings. (single source)
- Cutting a band in ivy during late September can prevent rodents from accessing roof spaces by breaking their climbing path. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-25: French property laws regulate hedge heights and distances

French property owners face legal requirements for hedge heights and distances under the Civil Code, while seasonal ivy maintenance can help prevent rodent access to homes.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/french-property-laws-regulate-hedge-heights-and-distances

### 2026-08-04: France imposes up to €150,000 fine for illegal laurel hedge trimming

France bans laurel hedge trimming from 15 March to 31 July, with penalties up to €150,000 and three years imprisonment to protect bird nests.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/france-imposes-up-to-150000-fine-for-illegal-laurel-hedge-trimming

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Cite as: French hedge and vegetation regulations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/french-hedge-and-vegetation-regulations