Treating nature with care is not only an ethical requirement, but also regulated by law. The protection of trees, bushes and hedges is particularly important. The period during which no cuts may be made to plants, as well as the question of cutting hedges, is laid down by law in many countries and regions in order to protect nature and the animals that live in it.
When can I trim my hedge and other trees in the garden?
We will briefly examine the legal basis, the reasons and the importance of these regulations and provide an overview of possible deviations depending on the municipality. In addition, the most important exceptions to these rules are highlighted.
Legal basis
In Germany, nature conservation is regulated by the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG). Section 39 BNatSchG in particular deals with the protection of plants and animals and specifies the periods during which certain maintenance work is prohibited.
Section 39, paragraph 5 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act states: “It is prohibited to cut down, lop or remove hedges, living fences, bushes and other woody plants between 1 March and 30 September.”
Regional deviations and municipal regulations
Although the Federal Nature Conservation Act applies nationwide, individual federal states and municipalities can issue different regulations. These deviations usually concern specific periods or additional protected areas. It is therefore advisable to contact the responsible municipal administration to find out about any special features.
Reasons and importance of the regulations
birds
The main reason for the ban on cutting during this period is to protect the breeding and nesting season of birds. Many species of birds use hedges, bushes and trees as nesting sites, and cutting them back could endanger their breeding and rearing. Intervening during this sensitive period would not only disrupt the birds' reproduction, but would also destroy their habitat.
protection of other animals
In addition to birds, other animals such as insects, small mammals and amphibians also find shelter and food in hedges and bushes. The ban on cutting protects their habitat during the main growing season and increases their chances of survival.
conservation of plants
Trimming hedges and shrubs during the active growth phase can be harmful to the plants themselves. During this time, trimming often leads to increased stress and can weaken the plants in the long term. “Hedge trimming in which period – Garden” read more