How Tall Can a Hedge Be in Belgium?

How tall can a hedge be between neighbours or in a garden? In Belgium there is no general statutory maximum height for hedges, but rules do apply regarding distance from the boundary, neighbourhood nuisance and local regulations. A hedge that is too tall can lead to disputes, while a well-positioned hedge adds privacy and value. This article sets out the guidelines, with tips to avoid problems.

No legal maximum, but distance rules do apply

The Civil Code and the Rural Code do not set a fixed height, but they do impose minimum distances from the plot boundary:

Low hedges/shrubs: min. 0.5 m from the boundary.
Tall trees: min. 2 m.
Shared boundary hedge: with the neighbour's agreement, no distance required.

Once planted, a hedge may in principle grow as tall as the owner wishes. However, if it causes nuisance (shade, light obstruction), the justice of the peace can intervene under Art. 544 of the Civil Code (abnormal neighbourhood disturbance).

Municipal and planning limits

Local councils often impose height restrictions on enclosures, including dense hedges:

Front garden: max. 1 m (traffic visibility).
Side and rear garden: max. 2 m without a permit.
Corners/street junctions: max. 1-1.2 m.

Exceeding these limits? A planning permit is required from the relevant local authority. For non-shared hedges on your own land: 0.5 m setback for low hedges, 2 m for tall ones.

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Height summary by situation:

Location	Max. hedge height	Boundary distance
Front garden	1 m	N/A
Side/rear garden	2 m	0.5 m (low) / 2 m (tall)
On the boundary (shared)	No max.	Neighbour's agreement

Neighbourhood nuisance: when is a hedge too tall?

There is no height ceiling as such, but a reasonableness test applies:

Blocking of daylight or view.
Excessive shade.
Nuisance from roots or overhanging branches.

Neighbours can apply to the justice of the peace to have the hedge pruned or removed. Limitation period: 30 years for long-established hedges.

Differences by region

Flanders: the rules above apply, supplemented by local by-laws.
Wallonia/Brussels: similar principles, but always check with your local council (2 m is a common local limit in practice).

Tips to avoid problems

Talk to your neighbours: get a written agreement for a shared boundary hedge.
Check with your municipality: consult the local planning rules for any height restrictions.
Maintenance: prune regularly.
Alternatives: low hedge combined with a fence (max. 2 m).

A tall hedge boosts privacy and property value, but always respect the applicable rules.

For advice on your garden or property value, request a free valuation.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a legal maximum height for hedges in Belgium?

There is no general statutory maximum height for hedges in Belgium. However, local councils often impose height limits, such as a maximum of 1 m in front gardens and 2 m in side or rear gardens without a permit.

How far does a hedge need to be from the plot boundary?

Low hedges and shrubs must be planted at least 0.5 m from the boundary, while tall trees require a minimum distance of 2 m. If a neighbour agrees to a shared boundary hedge, no setback distance is required.

When can a neighbour take legal action about a hedge that is too tall?

A neighbour can apply to the justice of the peace if the hedge causes abnormal nuisance, such as blocking daylight, excessive shade, or problems from roots and overhanging branches. This falls under Article 544 of the Civil Code, and the limitation period for long-established hedges is 30 years.

Do the hedge height rules differ between Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels?

The general rules apply across Belgium, but each region is supplemented by local by-laws. In Wallonia and Brussels, a 2 m limit is common in practice, but you should always check with your local council for the specific rules that apply.

Do you need a permit if your hedge exceeds the local height limit?

Yes, if your hedge exceeds the height limits set by your local council - for example more than 2 m in a side or rear garden - you will need a planning permit from the relevant local authority.