GermanyWhat are the rules about boundary trees?
In Germany, a tree growing directly on the property line is co-owned by both neighbors; each has equal rights to fruit and timber, and either may demand its removal — with costs usually split equally.
What the Law Says
German civil law treats trees standing exactly on the property boundary as jointly owned assets between neighboring landowners. BGB § 923 sets out clear rules for ownership, use, and removal.
A tree that straddles the property line — with its trunk crossing or centered on the boundary — is called a 'Grenzbaum' (boundary tree). Under § 923(1), both neighbors co-own the tree: they share equally in its fruits and, if cut down, the timber itself.
Under § 923(2), either neighbor may legally demand the tree’s removal. However, unless one neighbor waives their ownership interest, removal costs must be shared equally. If one neighbor gives up their rights, the other pays all costs and gains full ownership upon felling.
There is an important exception: removal cannot be demanded if the tree serves as an official boundary marker (Grenzzeichen) and cannot reasonably be replaced by another suitable marker — for example, due to historical significance, survey accuracy, or terrain constraints.
Section § 923(3) confirms these rules also apply to boundary shrubs ('Strauch'), not just trees.
Statutory TextStehst auf der Grenze ein Baum, so gebühren die Früchte und, wenn der Baum gefällt wird, auch der Baum den Nachbarn zu gleichen Teilen.
— BGB § 923 (1) — German Civil Code
Statutory TextJeder der Nachbarn kann die Beseitigung des Baumes verlangen. Die Kosten der Beseitigung fallen den Nachbarn zu gleichen Teilen zur Last. Der Nachbar, der die Beseitigung verlangt, hat jedoch die Kosten allein zu tragen, wenn der andere auf sein Recht an dem Baume verzichtet; er erwirbt in diesem Falle mit der Trennung das Alleineigentum. Der Anspruch auf die Beseitigung ist ausgeschlossen, wenn der Baum als Grenzzeichen dient und den Umständen nach nicht durch ein anderes zweckmäßiges Grenzzeichen ersetzt werden kann.
— BGB § 923 (2) — German Civil Code
Statutory TextDiese Vorschriften gelten auch für einen auf der Grenze stehenden Strauch.
— BGB § 923 (3) — German Civil Code
What Courts Have Said
German courts have affirmed that the right to demand removal under § 923 is individual and does not require mutual agreement — but cost-sharing remains mandatory unless ownership rights are formally waived.
The court confirmed that each neighbor may independently demand removal of a boundary tree under § 923 BGB, but must bear half the removal costs unless the other neighbor expressly renounces their co-ownership rights.
What to Do
Confirm whether the tree’s trunk actually straddles the legal property boundary (surveyor’s report recommended).
Discuss removal with your neighbor — written agreement avoids disputes over costs or ownership waiver.
If agreement fails, send a formal written request citing BGB § 923(2); keep proof of delivery.
If the tree serves as a recognized boundary marker, consult a surveyor or local cadastral office before seeking removal.
For shrubs or hedges on the line, apply the same rules — § 923(3) extends all provisions to them.
Sources
Related Questions
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: June 2026.