ᐅ Boundary Design – Neighbor Wants a Fence, We Prefer a Hedge

Created on: 24 Sep 2020 11:23
T
Tx-25
Hello.
We want to plant a Portuguese laurel (Prunus lusitanica) in our garden in October. Our neighbor and we have both recently built new houses. I spoke with him because I wanted us to place the hedge directly on the boundary line and share it between us.
He then told me that he wants to have both a fence and a hedge because he is planning to get a dog in the future.
He implied that he will now only install a fence. We are already planting the hedge. Additionally, we are supposed to keep enough distance so that the fence will not be damaged by the hedge.

How should the border setbacks be maintained now? The development plan doesn’t really specify anything about this. Online, I only found that in Lower Saxony (Nds) a distance of 50cm (20 inches) from the boundary should be kept for hedges. If he installs the fence on the boundary line, I would still need space behind my hedge to trim it. That would mean I have to stay at least 1.5 meters (5 feet) away from the boundary, right? Besides the significant loss of space, this would be inconvenient because our garage is already built on the boundary line. I actually wanted to start the hedge close to the garage. Is he even allowed to put the fence directly on the hedge?
Musketier24 Sep 2020 16:29
You are right. When planting, they are usually not very large or spreading.
After 2-3 years, though, I would like to see anyone climb into the 50cm (20 inches) space between the hedge and the fence to trim the side.
That simply doesn’t work.
You can only do it from the neighbor’s property or you would need to plant the hedge at least a meter (3 feet) away.
Tolentino24 Sep 2020 17:04
As far as I know, the distance also depends on the maximum height. For example (I don’t have the exact values in mind right now), 50cm (20 inches) up to 1.5m (5 feet), 1m (3 feet) up to 2m (6.5 feet), 1.5m (5 feet) up to 3m (10 feet)...
P
pagoni2020
24 Sep 2020 18:42
Tx-25 schrieb:

Or I’ll wait another year or two and let him plant a hedge. Then I’ll have space and peace.
I find it a bit unfortunate that the one who comes first also has to bear the disadvantages.

That sounds like a good plan. Since the neighbor has a dog or is planning to get one, it makes sense from his point of view that he is primarily thinking about a fence. I don’t think it’s wrong if everyone does their own thing, and if he currently has no idea, he probably doesn’t want to be pressured, which is why I can understand his position. Apparently, he doesn’t want to cause you any harm.
Pinky030124 Sep 2020 19:12
Or install a relatively tall fence along the boundary (if permitted) and have it covered with climbing plants to create privacy.
G
Grobmutant
24 Sep 2020 19:18
Cherry laurel is also criticized because it is toxic to humans (including children) and dogs.
M
Müllerin
25 Sep 2020 17:15
Our neighbors also wanted cherry laurel, but I don’t want that stuff in my garden. I suggested privet as an alternative; they can keep it neatly trimmed short on their side, while on our side it will grow longer and bloom nicely.

If I were you, I would wait for the neighbor to approach you about the fence. You could share the cost, and that would work out well.