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.

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.

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.

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.

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 insured against theft and damage due to bad weather in your Home insurance policy.  You just need to remember to indicate the value of your equipment when you take out your policy or declare it to your insurer if you are buying new equipment.