Branchage

Branchage (pronounced “BRON-karzh”) refers to the biannual cutting back of roadside trees, banques and hedgerows to ensure appropriate clearance and access for road users.

It applies to any owners of land bordering public roads and footpaths, stating they must ensure:

·        Minimum clearance of 12 feet (3.66 metres) over main roads and by-roads

·        Minimum clearance of 8 feet (2.44 metres) over footpaths

·        Clearance of all trimmings from the road or footpath

The first part of this two-pronged obligation has to be carried out in the three-week period from 24 June, the second likewise from 1 September.

To check landowners are compliant, each parish receives a Visite du Branchage twice a year from its Connétable, Centeniers, Vingteniers and members of its Roads Committee.

Every year, two parishes also host a Visite Royale, when roads are inspected by members of the Royal Court.

Official legislation, Loi(1914) sur la Voirie, is available on the Jersey Legal Information Board website.

For something more in-depth but not as dry as law, we have an extended article about branchage, which includes plenty of environmentally friendly advice based around how we do it. It’s worth a read, especially if branchage regulations apply to you.

You can read the article here.

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