Trees along our fence - ours or the commune's?

Gardening
1

Hello, some guidance please!

Some trees around us need to come down due to a number of factors in varying degrees - ash die back, beetles and the heat. I’ve put off for a few years but some are now perilous!

We are in a very rural spot. The trees in question happen to be just the other side (literally) of the boundary fence at various points, about 7 or 8. So they would appear to be owned by / the responsibility of the commune.

I asked one of the locals for his advice. He said let them fall! If any damage our insurance would be the remedy.

So my questions are:-

  • are the trees outside of our fence our responsibility?
  • if so can I just get a tree surgeon in to take them down?
  • as the trees not only border our fence but also the road, electric and phone lines, there is a risk of wider damage or impact. Do I need commune (or EDF etc) permission for the work?
  • alternatively do I just report the issue to the Mairie and expect them to take them down?

Sadly I don’t feel comfortable with my French friends advice to let the trees come down in their own time!

I think I’d prefer to go to the Mairie with a plan and some sensible advice if possible😊

Any thoughts much appreciated.

2

Please do go along to your Mairie and discuss this with them. :+1:

1 Like
3

Thanks Stella, got to be the best option hasn’t it :blush:

4

When I was a local councillor here we got this all the time and ultimately the mairie needed to be informed of any proposed lopping or felling. Where properties were uninhabited or holiday homes and trees were a danger whoever owned them, they were felled and the owners charged if they were on their land or even a part towards the mairie’s costs for ignoring them. Most trees are protected these days so you always need permission to do any work even on your own land! If you don’t need the cut timber, the mairie will arrange for it to be taken by locals for free.

5

@Adrian, When you visit the Mairie they will clarify what trees you own… and which trees you don’t :wink:
They might have to make a site-visit to double check and perhaps inspect the die-back etc etc… but (from personal experience) whatever the case, they will be helpful.

best of luck

6

Marvelous, thank you Shiba, that’s really helpful :smiley:

7

Thanks Stella, they (Mairie office) have always been helpful in the past I’m glad to say. I’m hoping they’ll grasp the nettle (!) and arrange to take them all down - much quicker, cheaper (free?) and avoids causing chaos if one or more comes down accidentally​:crossed_fingers:. It would also be “official” which I find less strenuous! :joy:
Thanks again for your help Stella.