Can hedges in French garden be trimmed over summer?

Reader Question: We live in the south of France and think the débroussaillage rules apply to us. Do we also have to trim the hedges as part of this?

Mandatory undergrowth clearing rules are in place across several places in France, mostly in the south, and were expanded earlier this year to cover the entire Hérault department. 

General rules state that excess vegetation and undergrowth within a radius of 50m from any building must be cleaned to reduce the risk of forest fire. 

In some cases, this area is expanded, and undergrowth and vegetation along roads must also be cleared.

Read more: French property owners and tenants: what are rules for obligatory undergrowth clearance?

Cutting hedges

It is more complex when it comes to hedges, however, and can depend on where your property is located.

For example, the Alpes-Maritimes department states that hedges more than 3m away from your property must be cleared as part of the rules, being cut to a certain maximum height. 

Similarly, the neighbouring Var department also asks that the 3m rule be respectred for hedges between different properties, and says they should be no more than 2m thick and 2m high.

Check your local departmental website (do an online search for the name of your department + débroussaillement and click on the official .gouv site). 

If you are still unsure, you can contact your local mairie to see the rules specific to you.

Read more: Undergrowth clearance – Where in France must buyers be informed?

Are there restrictions on cutting hedges? 

The issue is further complicated by the fact that you may hear that you cannot cut your hedge in the summer months.

Farmers face a ban on cutting hedges during the summer months as part of European regulations on animal protection.

These rules do not, in most areas, extend to property owners, though some have local bylaws on the matter, including in Vostes, where there is a complete ban from March 16 to August 15, with a potential fine of €750.

However, France’s Bird Protection League (Ligue de Protection des Oiseaux, LPO) recommends people not cut their hedges from March 15 to mid-August, to protect birds that may be nesting in them. 

Some local authorities – such as the Oise department – also recommend that homeowners do not cut hedges during this time. 

Read more: Can neighbour force us to put fence up in French garden?

Do not leave undergrowth clearance too late 

In general, you should make sure you carry out any undergrowth clearance in the autumn and spring. 

As the rules are in place to stop forest fires – the earliest of which can happen before the start of summer – it is essential to get your property ready in time prior to this. 

Ideally, all the work should be carried prior to June 1, and at the latest before July 1. 

Those who leave the work until after this date risk the penalties for failure to clear the area surrounding their properties.