The neighbour’s trees
Branches and roots coming over to my side: what does the law say?
What the law says
- You can make your neighbour cut branches that hang over your land; as long as you do not, the fruit on those branches is yours (Art. 672-1).
- Roots, brambles and twigs that come onto your land you may cut yourself, at the boundary line (Art. 672-1).
- This right never expires (Art. 672-1).
- Trees planted too close to the boundary may have to be removed or cut down to two metres, unless there is a title, an arrangement by a former common owner, or ten years’ prescription (Art. 672).
Watch out for
- Exception: protected trees (nature, sites and monuments) and edge trees over 30 years old in a forest of more than one hectare (Art. 672-1).
- Branches you do not cut yourself: you ask the neighbour to do it (Art. 672-1).
Who can help
Official source : Code civil (version du 26.12.2025) · Checked on 21.10.2026