Lawn mowing, hedge trimming: what have I the right to do in Luxembourg?

August 21, 2025

With the arrival of fine weather, the moment has come to tend to the garden: mowing the lawn, trimming hedges or pruning bushes. What is authorised under legislation and noise restrictions? The following provides some information that you need to know in order to comply with legal requirements and maintain your garden.

Hedge trimming and pruning of trees and shrubs: what are the rules in Luxembourg?

Articles 671 to 673 of the Civil Code govern the rules relating to hedges and shrubs planted between 2 neighbouring plots of land. The general rule is that:

trees may be planted on condition that they are at least 2 meters from the neighbouring land if they are more than 2 metres tall,
trees, shrubs and bushes may be planted on each side of the dividing line between 2 properties without any regulatory distance.

May I cut back my neighbour’s plants that extend past the property line?

If branches overhang or roots pass into your land, you can:

compel your neighbour to cut back what is overhanging on to your land, or you can enjoy the fruit that the overhanging branches bear.
cut back the branches or roots that are invading your land.

If your neighbour refuses to cut these back, before filing a complaint you should look for information on municipal regulations and what you can and cannot do.

Can I burn my green waste in my garden?

You have trimmed all your hedges and trees. What should you do with your green waste?

You can shred it and compost it or take it to your nearest recycling centre. Door-to-door collection of green waste is also organised in some municipalities.
However, in Luxembourg it is forbidden to burn green waste in the open air. If you do so, you risk a fine of up to 250 euros.

Can I take garden waste to my local recycling centre?

Luxembourg recycling centres accept green waste. Recycling centres can be accessed upon presentation of an access card.

To obtain your card, visit the municipal administration office in your place of residence.

Some municipalities also provide green waste bins for their residents and organise specific collection days for bulkier green waste.

Luxembourg legislation in matters of noise pollution

A generic document has been drawn up by the authority responsible for environmental administration. It is neither a law nor a regulation and is intended to help the municipal authorities to implement their own regulations to combat noise pollution. It indicates that it is possible to use machinery such as lawn mowers, tillers, chainsaws and other equipment in built-up areas, and at a distance of less than 100m from a built-up area:

weekdays between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Saturdays between 8 a.m. and 12 noon and 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Sundays and public holidays between 9 a.m. and 12 noon.

It is then up to each town to set its own restrictions in matters of noise pollution. To know the times when you can use your lawn mower or an electric hedge trimmer, you should check the town regulations where you live.

How is gardening equipment insured?

Gardening equipment, such as hedge trimmers or lawn mowers, is deemed movable property just like your garden furniture or parasol as long as these items are not fixed to the ground.

At Baloise, gardening equipment is covered by the pool/garden package. Consider taking out this option or declare it to your insurer if you are buying new equipment.

Text originally published in June 2023 and updated in August 2025.