Instructions for those who own a property with hedges and trees

Cut hedges and trees

Everyone who lives in Stockholm should be able to move around safely. You, the landowner, are responsible for ensuring that branches and twigs do not hang over streets and parks.

You are responsible for your garden

If an accident occurs because, for example, you did not cut your garden hedge, you, as the owner, could be held liable for the damage.

Chapter 8 of the Planning and Building Act, Riksdag website

The land code also specifies responsibilities and powers regarding vegetation on own and surrounding properties.

Jordabalken ch. 3, Riksdag website

This is what it should look like

1. Check that road markings and street name signs are clearly visible and not obscured by trees or bushes on your property.

2. City posts must be free of hedges, bushes and trees. Light from lighting poles must not be obscured. All posts should be easy to clean and repair, and signage should be capable of being replaced or supplemented.

3. Bushes and trees must be cut down so that pedestrian, cycle and road paths remain free of passage. Pedestrians and cyclists must be able to meet and people with disabilities must be able to move around in complete safety.

4. Tree branches may hang up to a maximum of 3.2 meters above the sidewalk to allow the passage of cleaning and snow removal vehicles.

5. There must be a clear height of at least 4.6 meters above the roadway and 1 meter above the sidewalk.

6. In the corner of the plot, the hedge can have a maximum height of 70 centimeters. This applies at least 10 meters in each direction from the street crossing and 5 meters on footpaths or cycle paths.

7. When there is no sidewalk, a free space of at least 50 centimeters must be left between the boundary of the plot and the roadway to allow space for pedestrians.

8. Electrical cabinets must be unobstructed and easily accessible to allow maintenance and repair of public lighting.

9. Shrubs and hedges can measure a maximum of 70 centimeters if they are 2.5 meters or less from the exit on the pedestrian, cycle or roadway.

This instruction speaks for itself clear language, so there should no longer be any question marks over who is responsible. We thank Roland Wikström for his excellent information. He was born and raised in Strömsund, more precisely in Holmen in Havsnäs, but moved to Stockholm at a young age and is an extremely devoted companion of Affärsnytt Norr. We thank you.

Published text: Barbro Ericson