Local rules

In addition to the law, your plants can be subject to additional local rules. It is sometimes as tricky to negotiate as a country hedge!

Prune your hedge on the road facing side as soon as it begins to pass the fence.

Good tips

At a local level, the rules often prefer the planting of mixed hedges, which are deemed to improve the quality of life. Therefore, the local town planning might insist that all hedges that border a public road are mixed. The ban on planting evergreen hedges (conifers, laurel, viburnum etc.) does not mean that you have to give up your privacy though. You could for example line the young hedge using natural matting whilst it is growing which will improve the level of privacy. This would also protect the young plants from cold winds in winter.

Some private regulations can impose the make up of a hedge and its dimensions.

Not too close!

The law clearly indicates the distances that you must respect when planting a hedge near your boundary. However when it relates to a public road the rules are different. If you plant a hedge along a track then you do not necessarily need to respect the rule that it must be 2 metres away if it is greater than 2 metres in height. Yet this is only the case if the hedge is next to a track and not what we call a public road. The difference between the two is a legal one and nothing is indicated on the signpost! Public roads are in the main, tarmac roads. In this case you should plant trees or a hedge at least 2 metres away from the road even if they are less than 2 metres high.

From a practical point of view, the important thing is not to cause any problem on the public highway. It is forbidden to let roots cause damage to the pavement under which they can grow. Likewise, branches that cause inconvenience to pedestrians or circulating cars will only lead to trouble. Make sure you take the necessary precautions: isolate roots by using an anti root membrane underground and regularly cut your hedge on the side facing the road. Your plants must never hinder visibility near a crossroad or create any sort of risk on a public road. If this occurs then the public authorities will act to deal with the situation but it will be at your expense!

Controlled trimming

Sometimes local rules forbid the cutting of hedges at certain times of year to protect the nests of birds (from February through to June). The removal of a hedge can also be subject to certain rules, especially in regions where country hedges are an important part of the landscape. Public highway rules also forbid the leaving of waste material from pruning (such as cut branches and leaves) on a public road. Remember to always clean up the road after any type of pruning.

In summary if you want to plant a colourful mixed hedge bursting with life, then you are unlikely to encounter any problem. Just remember to prune it before it gets to big!