When tearing out a hedge, you must observe the legal regulations. They specify the period in which such measures may be carried out. Proceed step by step and use the appropriate equipment.
How do I remove a hedge correctly and legally?
To legally remove a hedge, avoid work between March 1st and September 30th. Follow the steps: 1.liberate tribe base; 2. Saw off trunks; 3. Remove roots; 4. Dispose of wood residues and 5. Follow-up with compost. Inform neighbors and wear protective clothing.
Legal background
Tearing out hedges is prohibited between March 1st and September 30th according to the Federal Nature Conservation Act. The law is valid in all federal states and applies to open landscapes and settlement areas. The law was passed to protect the breeding grounds and habitats of wild animals. Its main purpose is to protect native birds whose breeding grounds have been severely affected or completely destroyed by massive interventions in nature. Woody plants are important habitats for birds that should be protected in private gardens.
Within the federal states there may be special regulations that affect tree pruning and the removal of hedges. Exceptions to the established closed seasons may apply to diseased bushes or trees that pose a danger to road traffic. The public order office provides information about any special regulations. A violation of these regulations is considered an administrative offense that is punishable with a fine.
Removal instructions
Inform your neighbors about the upcoming work so that there are no unpleasant surprises. Use appropriate protective clothing when pulling out. For the work you will need a spade, pruning and hedge trimmers (€24.00 on Amazon) and a hand axe or saw. Chainsaws and mini excavators make it easier to remove old bushes and large hedges.
1. Liberate tribe base
Remove the branches at the base of the trunk so that you can saw it off later without any problems. A hedge trimmer is suitable for smaller branches. Thicker branches are cut off with pruning shears.
2. Sawing off trunks
Cut the trunks at the base with a hand ax or small saw. For larger bushes, pay attention to the direction of fall so as not to damage anything.
3. Remove roots
Remove the entire root from the soil. Pieces of roots remaining in the ground can sprout again. Old hedges have developed an extensive root system, which makes this step more difficult.
Tips for removing roots:
- Exposing roots with a spade
- cut small roots
- Loosen the trunk base by moving it back and forth
- pull out by hand or with a rope
Beech hedges develop tight and deep roots that often cannot be completely removed. These roots rot in the ground. Saw criss-cross cracks in the root or punch small holes in the wood. Fill the voids with compost. This measure accelerates the rotting process. The soil can be replanted after a few years.
4. Dispose of wood residues
Hedge cuttings are ideal for composting. In winter, small cut branches and leaves serve as dry structural material that can be regularly mixed into the compost substrate. Thicker trunks provide firewood.
5. Follow-up
Fill the resulting holes with stale compost. It supplies the soil with nutrients and prepares it for replanting.
