How high can a hedge be next to a neighbour and the street?
By Service Plus Stockholm AB5 min read
Short answer
How high can a hedge be next to a neighbour and the street?
There is no statutory maximum height for hedges between private plots in Sweden; neighbour law only requires reasonable consideration so the hedge does not cause unnecessary shade or nuisance. A common rule of thumb is to keep the hedge under 2 metres if it stands close to the boundary without the neighbour's consent, and not to plant it so close to the boundary that it encroaches on the neighbour's land. Towards a street, junction or driveway exit the municipality's sight-line rules apply instead, often a maximum height of 0.8 metres within the sight triangle at exits and junctions.
Would you rather have it done for you? Read about hedge trimming in Stockholm – what is included, what affects the price and how to book.
What does the law say about hedge height next to a neighbour?
Sweden has no specific law setting an exact maximum height for hedges between private plots. Instead the neighbour law provisions of the Swedish Land Code apply, which say that you must show reasonable consideration for your neighbours and not cause nuisances that are noticeable and unnecessary.
In practice this means that a hedge that heavily shades the neighbour's patio, blocks light to windows or plants, or extends far in over the boundary can count as a nuisance. There is no set figure, but case law and municipal guidelines generally assume that hedges under 2 metres are rarely challenged if they are maintained and trimmed regularly.
How close to the boundary can the hedge stand?
The hedge should be planted some distance from the boundary if it is expected to grow tall, since roots and branches can otherwise encroach on the neighbour's land. A common recommendation is to plant at least 60 centimetres from the boundary for a hedge that will be trimmed to a height of 1.5–2 metres.
If the hedge stands right on the boundary, or very close to it, the neighbour can ask for it to be kept lower or cut back on their side. If you cannot agree, the matter can ultimately be tried in the district court, but the vast majority of disputes are resolved through dialogue and compromise on trimming schedule and height.
- Close to the boundary (under 60 cm): keep the height low, trim often
- On the boundary: usually requires the neighbour's consent for greater height
- Well inside your own plot (over 1 metre): freer choice of height
- Branches growing over the boundary: the neighbour may cut them themselves if they cause problems
Which rules apply at streets, junctions and driveway exits?
Towards a street, junction or the exit from a garage or driveway, different rules apply than between neighbours, because road safety carries more weight. The municipality requires clear sight lines in so-called sight triangles at junctions and exits, and there hedges, fences and shrubs may not block the view for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
In the Stockholm municipalities the sight triangle is usually measured as 10 by 10 metres from the corner at a junction, and within that area vegetation may normally not be higher than 0.8 metres. At an ordinary exit from your own plot, a corresponding requirement often applies over a shorter distance, for example 2.5 metres from the boundary.
- Sight triangle at a street junction: usually 10x10 metres, maximum height about 0.8 metres
- Exit from your own plot: clear sight nearest the street, often 2.5 metres out
- Cycle path and pavement: the hedge may not protrude over the surface
- Snow clearing and refuse lorries: the hedge should not prevent vehicles from getting through
What happens if the hedge shades the neighbour's plot or blocks the view?
If the hedge causes problems there are different routes depending on whether it concerns a neighbour or road safety. With a neighbour, the first step is always to talk directly and agree on trimming, height or moving the hedge.
If the hedge instead blocks the view towards a street or junction, the municipality can issue an order to cut it down to a safe height, since this concerns public road safety and not just a matter between neighbours. Such an order should be taken seriously, as it can otherwise be followed by a penalty.
How do you keep the hedge within a reasonable height?
Regular trimming is the simplest way to keep the hedge at a height that works both towards the neighbour and towards the street. Trimming often and lightly, rather than rarely and hard, makes the hedge denser and easier to keep at an even level year after year.
When planting a new hedge it is worth choosing from the start a species and a distance from the boundary that suit the final height you want, so you avoid conflicts later on.
- Trim regularly so the hedge stays dense and even in height
- Measure the distance to the boundary before any hard cutting back
- Check the municipality's sight-line requirements before planting a hedge near an exit
- Talk to the neighbour about the planned final height already at planting
How Service Plus Stockholm helps with hedge trimming
Service Plus Stockholm AB helps homeowners and housing cooperatives (BRF) keep hedges at the right height, both towards neighbours and towards the street. Tuja, our hedge trimming specialist, assesses height, width and position on site and suggests a trimming level that works in the long term.
Service Plus always provides a free quote with a clear price before work begins, so you know where you stand before the trimming starts.
Common follow-up questions
Do I have to ask the neighbour before planting a tall hedge?
There is no law requiring permission, but it is wise to talk to the neighbour in advance if the hedge is planned to grow tall or stand close to the boundary, to avoid future conflicts.
What do I do if the neighbour's hedge shades my plot?
First raise the matter directly with the neighbour and suggest a lower trimming height; if you cannot agree, the matter can ultimately be tried under neighbour law in the district court.
Is there a law setting a maximum height for hedges in Sweden?
No, there is no national law with a fixed maximum height between private plots; it is the neighbour law requirement of reasonable consideration that governs, while the municipality regulates sight lines towards streets and junctions.
What measurements apply to the sight triangle at a driveway exit?
The measurements vary between municipalities, but a common starting point is clear sight about 2.5 metres from the boundary at an exit and a sight triangle of roughly 10x10 metres at a street junction.
