Depuis 2025, la réglementation sur la hauteur des haies est entrée en vigueur en France. Elle impose désormais des règles précises pour limiter les conflits de voisinage et encadrer l’entretien des linéaires. Pour les agriculteurs et les collectivités, cette évolution a un impact direct sur l’organisation du travail.
Clear rules to follow
The law stipulates that any hedge over 2 metres high located less than 50 cm from the property boundary must be trimmed. This obligation supplements the distances already stipulated in the Civil Code:
-A hedge less than 2 metres high must be planted at least 50 cm from the boundary.
-A hedge taller than 2 metres must be located 2 metres away.
These rules already existed, but they are now accompanied by controls and possible penalties for non-compliance. In other words, hedge maintenance is no longer just a matter of good neighbourly relations or local management: it is a legal obligation.
This distance may be determined by local rules stipulated in specific regulations in force or by consistent and recognised local practices. To obtain this information, you will need to consult your local council.
What difference does this make in practice?
For private individuals, this means that a neglected hedge on the boundary of their property will no longer be tolerated. However, the most tangible impact will be felt by farmers and local authorities.
Hedgerows are part of everyday life: they run alongside fields, separate plots of land and protect against wind and erosion. With the new regulations, their maintenance can no longer be postponed. Regular visits must be scheduled to prevent them from exceeding the authorised limits.
For operators, this means more time spent pruning and stricter organisation, especially in autumn, when maintenance is more intensive. The same applies to local authorities, particularly for linear areas along roads or paths.
An ecological heritage to manage
The law also reminds us that hedges are not mere obstacles. They play an essential role:
-they provide shelter for beneficial wildlife and promote natural balance.
-they limit erosion and protect the soil,
-they help to store carbon and combat global warming.
By strengthening the rules, the legislator seeks to ensure regular maintenance to preserve these functions.
Stay compliant with Coup’Eco tools
At Coup’Eco, we understand what maintaining kilometres of hedges means for a farmer or local authority. It is physical, repetitive work that requires time and equipment. That is why we have developed a comprehensive range of cutter bars and from hedge trimmer, mounted on the most commonly used carriers: loaders, excavators, telescopic handlers.
With the new law, hedge maintenance has become mandatory. For professionals, this means additional work, but also an opportunity to highlight the importance of hedgerows in our countryside. At Coup’Eco, we are here to support you with reliable, safe and high-performance tools designed to facilitate regular and sustainable work.