Overgrown hedges and bushes are a thorn in the side of some hobby gardeners. But be careful: According to the Federal Nature Conservation Act, major cutting measures may only be carried out within a specified period of time! These regulations also apply to your own garden.
When is cutting bushes allowed?
According to the Federal Nature Conservation Act, bushes and hedges are only allowed between October 1st and October 28th/29th. February should be cut back heavily. Gentle shaping and care cuts are permitted from March 1st to September 30th to protect nature and nesting animals.
Strict time frame: October 1st to 28th/29th February
The legal situation is the same for garden owners and allotment gardeners as it is for cities and municipalities: In the period between March 1st and September 30th, it is strictly forbidden to cut back hedges and bushes. Anyone who fails to comply will face a fine of several thousand euros. Since this nationwide time frame may be extended by the individual states, you should find out about the legal situation that applies to you.
Which trees and cutting measures are affected?
“It is forbidden to cut down, grow or remove [] trees, [], hedges, living fences, bushes and other woody plants between March 1st and September 30th; Gentle shape and care cuts to eliminate plant growth or to maintain the he alth of trees are permitted,” is the wording of the legal text.
In concrete terms, this means: During the specified period, only one-year-old wood may be cut back in order to keep the plants in shape. Cutting back into perennial wood or removing entire trees is not permitted. The regulation expressly applies to all types of trees:
- Shrubs and bushes of all types of plants
- Bamboo, reeds and other reeds
- Topiary hedges
- Ornamental trees
- Trees
Please note that it is not only permitted, but even mandatory, to cut back hedges and bushes so that they do not overgrow into sidewalks or roadways.
Why is it not allowed to cut between March 1st and September 30th?
It is not for nothing that the legislature prescribes these strict rules: They serve to protect nature, especially to protect small animals that nest and seek protection in woody plants. In spring, many species begin to build nests and breeding holes in hedges, trees and bushes. They need a protected environment to raise their young undisturbed. If they are disturbed by summer pruning measures, they may orphan their brood. That's why you should also pay attention to your animal companions in the garden when making maintenance cuts and, if in doubt, it's better to keep the hedge trimmer (€24.00 on Amazon) in the tool shed let. Overgrown shrubs have never harmed anyone, but a loss of biodiversity through interference with nature can have serious consequences for all of us.
