Hi, we recently bought a plot of land in a new development area in Hesse, and our construction is starting soon.
Regarding our rainwater infiltration system, I asked our future neighbor to send me a house plan (to check the distance to the basement).
However, I noticed that it was actually a planting plan, which needs to be submitted to the authorities together with the building permit / planning permission application.
On it, I saw that he plans to plant a Norway maple quite close to our property line (about 3-4m (10-13 feet) away)!
These trees can already reach 4m (13 feet) in height after 10 years and up to 16m (52 feet) after 20 years, which is almost twice as tall as our houses!
Final height can be up to 35m (115 feet).
Who would want such a huge tree in their own garden?
So far, I haven’t found much information online except that you often have to accept a lot.
According to the building regulations / neighborhood law in Hesse, “very fast-growing avenue and park trees” must maintain a 4m (13 feet) distance from the boundary, and “fast-growing avenue and park trees” only 2m (6.5 feet).
Where does the Norway maple fall in this classification?
Is there anything I can do in advance? For example, can I apply to prevent him from planting it?
I know from my in-laws, who once owned a house and land, that you can’t just do anything you want on your own property. If the neighbor doesn’t agree, it’s not allowed.
I really don’t want such a tree because it would probably block sunlight from my entire garden.
Can I oppose this?
He also wants to plant a Japanese maple between our houses. But there are shrubs that tend to grow more in width than height. I could accept something like that.
I really hope there is a solution.
I don’t want a never-ending neighborhood dispute!
Regarding our rainwater infiltration system, I asked our future neighbor to send me a house plan (to check the distance to the basement).
However, I noticed that it was actually a planting plan, which needs to be submitted to the authorities together with the building permit / planning permission application.
On it, I saw that he plans to plant a Norway maple quite close to our property line (about 3-4m (10-13 feet) away)!
These trees can already reach 4m (13 feet) in height after 10 years and up to 16m (52 feet) after 20 years, which is almost twice as tall as our houses!
Final height can be up to 35m (115 feet).
Who would want such a huge tree in their own garden?
So far, I haven’t found much information online except that you often have to accept a lot.
According to the building regulations / neighborhood law in Hesse, “very fast-growing avenue and park trees” must maintain a 4m (13 feet) distance from the boundary, and “fast-growing avenue and park trees” only 2m (6.5 feet).
Where does the Norway maple fall in this classification?
Is there anything I can do in advance? For example, can I apply to prevent him from planting it?
I know from my in-laws, who once owned a house and land, that you can’t just do anything you want on your own property. If the neighbor doesn’t agree, it’s not allowed.
I really don’t want such a tree because it would probably block sunlight from my entire garden.
Can I oppose this?
He also wants to plant a Japanese maple between our houses. But there are shrubs that tend to grow more in width than height. I could accept something like that.
I really hope there is a solution.
I don’t want a never-ending neighborhood dispute!
The fact is, this tree is widely found in Central Europe and is often planted in gardens or parks. As long as it has a sunny location and loamy sandy soil, it grows well. When grown freely, it becomes quite large, tall, and long-lived. In many building plans (building permits/planning permissions), future homeowners are required to plant a native tree species, which is also the case here. I am considering this species as well, since we have sandy loamy soil and a sunny spot wouldn’t be a problem. I wouldn’t worry about the leaves. Just mow over them once in November, and that’s it. Leave the rest lying until then. Any leaves that fall during winter can be mulched with the first spring cut. This is good for the lawn. Karsten
305er schrieb:
These trees can already reach 4 meters (13 feet) in height after 10 years and up to 16 meters (52 feet) after 20 years, which is almost twice as tall as our houses! The final height can be up to 35 meters (115 feet)That’s not really a size worth mentioning for this period.
We bought two trees, each already over 4 meters (13 feet) tall including the crown when we purchased them (including a copper beech)… 4 meters (13 feet): that’s barely noticeable and actually makes the garden more attractive. Our neighbor also has a beautiful maple with a clear trunk – birds nest in it. For us, this tree between our properties is a real highlight!
305er schrieb:
According to the Hessian building code/neighborhood laws, “very fast-growing alley and park trees” must be planted at least 4 meters (13 feet) from the boundary, and “fast-growing alley and park trees” only 2 meters (6.5 feet).
Under which category does this sycamore maple fall?A maple is generally not considered a fast-growing tree, as far as I know. The statement that it reaches 4 meters (13 feet) after 10 years confirms this… you likely won’t be around to see the full mature height.
305er schrieb:
He also wants to plant a Japanese maple between our houses.Cute and attractive – Japanese varieties are often dwarf types, usually only growing up to about 4 meters (13 feet).
We have one as well – it’s very pretty and elegant.
Maples are very valuable and beautiful trees to have.
I prefer them over fruit trees, which can drop fruit and cause mess, but often don’t produce a worthwhile harvest.
A garden needs structure provided by trees – and what is a garden without a bench under a tall-stemmed tree or a hammock strung between two upright trees?
Leaves: they just blow away!
So don’t imagine a disaster where there is none; instead, enjoy nature and be glad that you have a view of greenery instead of staring at a wall.
Just for comparison:
A lilac tree can grow up to 7 meters (23 feet) tall and increases in height by about 50 cm (20 inches) per year. So, if you buy a 1.5-meter (5-foot) plant, it will reach 6 meters (20 feet) in 10 years.
You wouldn’t complain about that, right???
A maple tree starting at 2.5 meters (8 feet) and growing 20–30 cm (8–12 inches) per year will reach... right: just under 6 meters (20 feet) in 10 years. Your Norway maple is listed at 4 meters (13 feet)... a Japanese maple only grows to about 2 meters (6.5 feet) fully grown... *clears throat*
A lilac tree can grow up to 7 meters (23 feet) tall and increases in height by about 50 cm (20 inches) per year. So, if you buy a 1.5-meter (5-foot) plant, it will reach 6 meters (20 feet) in 10 years.
You wouldn’t complain about that, right???
A maple tree starting at 2.5 meters (8 feet) and growing 20–30 cm (8–12 inches) per year will reach... right: just under 6 meters (20 feet) in 10 years. Your Norway maple is listed at 4 meters (13 feet)... a Japanese maple only grows to about 2 meters (6.5 feet) fully grown... *clears throat*
Haha, we do need to consider one wall, a noise barrier wall.
Everyone has a different idea of a garden. For me, it consists of a large lawn area without flowers or shrubs, for playing football or soccer, sunbathing, or having a pool.
I don’t need shade, I can create that with an umbrella if necessary.
Two small trees in a corner for a slackline or hammock are just about acceptable, as long as they don’t cast too much shade.
Everyone has a different idea of a garden. For me, it consists of a large lawn area without flowers or shrubs, for playing football or soccer, sunbathing, or having a pool.
I don’t need shade, I can create that with an umbrella if necessary.
Two small trees in a corner for a slackline or hammock are just about acceptable, as long as they don’t cast too much shade.
Yes, a lilac tree looks beautiful and won’t grow larger than my house.
However, you always have to consider the future. At some point, for whatever reason, it might need to be removed. If it then has a trunk diameter that is too large—which can happen quickly with certain trees—it may no longer be allowed to be cut down.
However, you always have to consider the future. At some point, for whatever reason, it might need to be removed. If it then has a trunk diameter that is too large—which can happen quickly with certain trees—it may no longer be allowed to be cut down.
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