Article 673 of the French Civil Code

Anyone on whose property the branches of his neighbour’s trees, shrubs and bushes are protruding may compel his neighbour to cut them back. The fruit that falls naturally from these branches belongs to him.

If it is the roots, brambles or twigs that advance onto his property, he has the right to cut them himself at the limit of the dividing line.

The right to cut the roots, brambles and twigs or to have the branches of trees, shrubs or bushes cut off is imprescriptible.

Original in French

Article 673

Celui sur la propriété duquel avancent les branches des arbres, arbustes et arbrisseaux du voisin peut contraindre celui-ci à les couper. Les fruits tombés naturellement de ces branches lui appartiennent.

Si ce sont les racines, ronces ou brindilles qui avancent sur son héritage, il a le droit de les couper lui-même à la limite de la ligne séparative.

Le droit de couper les racines, ronces et brindilles ou de faire couper les branches des arbres, arbustes ou arbrisseaux est imprescriptible.