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

Our neighbors across the street have the exact same situation – initially just a hedge, then eventually a fence, which escalated into a two-year legal dispute. Before that, everything was peaceful and friendly...

Mycraft schrieb:

Our neighbors across the street have the exact same situation—a hedge first, then a fence, which escalated into a two-year legal dispute. Before that, everything was peaceful and friendly...

Pancakes?

Tx-25 schrieb:

Is it even allowed to place the fence directly on the hedge?

No, but it is allowed on his property boundary.

Tx-25 schrieb:

In my opinion, the fence and hedge don’t really go well together.

They work very well together if everyone sticks to what they are allowed to do.

Tx-25 schrieb:

I find it a bit unfair that whoever comes first has to bear the disadvantages.

That’s not the case at all: the neighbor is acting properly by enclosing his property and protecting his neighbors from his dog. A hedge, whether shared or alone, cannot provide that.

Tx-25 schrieb:

Does that mean I have to keep at least 1.50 meters (5 feet) away from the boundary?

No. Of course, if you choose a spreading hedge, you should plan ahead. For a standard hedge plant that will reach about 1.80 meters (6 feet) in height, about 70 cm (28 inches) from the property boundary is sufficient. If you prefer wider-spreading plants, you should prepare accordingly — your current preference for cherry laurel is an example.

Tx-25 schrieb:

What I mean is that it’s a shame that we both want a hedge. If he starts, he has the hedge and loses space on his property, and I’m happy. If I start, I have to place the hedge on our property and he’s happy.

Honestly, a (shared) hedge on the property boundary is not ideal. That’s where disputes over joint ownership usually begin.

Tx-25 schrieb:

But I still want to maximize space savings for both sides.

What you want is your hedge on the boundary to save space. That means your neighbor has to accept your decision for the Portuguese laurel, share the costs, and then place his fence in front of the hedge on his property. Only you benefit; he faces disadvantages, namely half the cost of the hedge (which you chose), and the fence ends up in front of the hedge on his side.

In short: it clearly makes sense for your neighbor. Whether he is legally required under neighbor law (you don’t mention the relevant right or left side, which is critical here), he places the dog fence on the property line and bears the cost. What you and he then plant on his property is your own business. Clear-cut.
I actually find it a bit childish to argue about half a meter on a 900 m² (9700 sq ft) property boundary. In our area, about 90% have fences. Primarily because they prefer it that way—for dogs, children, planned dogs or children, or simply to mark their own plot. That’s fine. Anyone who prefers hedges plants them on their own 650 m² (7000 sq ft) property. Some in loose “single” positions (hydrangeas, shrub roses, rhododendrons), others in rows (privet, cherry laurel, or beech). That way everyone has their own planting.
I think your way of thinking is the first step toward an “unfriendly neighborhood.” Simply put, it focuses only on your own advantage.

... and if it happens the way you want: should it then be allowed for the neighbor to climb over the fence onto their property side to maintain your... uh... your hedge from their side?
And who takes responsibility if the hedge stays in the middle and deteriorates? That is a recipe for conflict.

I have often seen fences and hedges grow together very well. Eventually, you can’t see the fence anymore, but it’s still there and continues to keep dogs out. This only works with very durable fences, for example, made of metal. Perhaps a compromise for you would be to place both side by side on the boundary line, so the hedge will eventually cover the fence, but you get your hedge and he keeps his fence, with no loss of space. A lot has already been said about laurel hedges, and I agree—there are definitely more environmentally friendly options.

You pay for your hedge, he pays for his fence. Make sure to clarify in advance whether he is okay with you trimming the hedge from his side once or twice a year for a few hours, or if he prefers to maintain his side of the hedge himself. Also, discuss the desired final height beforehand.

At the time, our neighbor wanted to do something he particularly liked, which we liked less—also because of the issue with the dog. In the end, we built a taller wooden fence ourselves and then planted a thick, bushy hedge on our side, exactly as we wanted. We never trimmed the backside of the hedge facing the wooden fence, and we really liked this tall, green wall, especially since it also provided extra sound insulation when sitting on the terrace. Ultimately, it became a good neighborly relationship, possibly because we avoided awkward, compromised situations like this.

I believe the essential requirement is to do your own thing, but keep it at a maximum of 1cm (0.4 inches) before the property line. Anything beyond that creates unnecessary conflict.

Therefore, I usually don’t think about what or why the neighbor is doing something, as long as it’s on their own property; I apply the same principle myself and don’t care whether they like it or not.