Can you still remember the time when dark smoke regularly rose from the fields at the weekend? On the so-called burning days, people disposed of their leaves by setting them on fire. Today this tradition is severely restricted by official regulations. You can read on this page whether you can still burn your leaves and what you need to pay attention to.
Can you burn leaves?
Burning leaves is generally prohibited nationwide, but in some federal states there are additional rules that can vary from municipality to municipality. To ensure whether burning is permitted, check with your local authority for local regulations.
When is burning leaves allowed?7
A big pyre in your own garden? This is doomed to fail. The burning of green waste and garden waste in private areas is actually prohibited nationwide. In some federal states, additional rules apply, which can vary from municipality to municipality. It is therefore best to find out about the local regulations from your local office. Of course, this guide cannot represent all of the individual differences in the statutes. However, some general rules apply to almost every federal state:
- Burning is only permitted at certain times of the year (mostly in autumn).
- Specific times are also prescribed.
- The fire must not be exposed but must be surrounded by a fire basket.
- Burning is strictly prohibited on the edges of forests and grain fields.
- A minimum distance from buildings is required.
- When lighting a fire, pay attention to the wind direction.
- Neighbors are allowed to prohibit burning if they feel disturbed by the smoke.
- You may only burn leaves, not other objects.
- You have a duty of supervision.
- Do not leave ashes or other residue behind.
Pen alties
If you violate the regulations, you risk at least a fine. If you accidentally start a fire, you will also have to pay for this damage. Your fire insurance will not cover the costs.
What to pay attention to?
- Inform both residents and the office of your plans.
- Remove all flammable objects.
- Make sure that no children or pets could suddenly run through the garden.
- Calculate the wind (flying sparks).
- Always have something ready (water bucket, fire blanket,) to be able to quickly extinguish the fire in an emergency.
Dangers
- increased fire risk due to flying sparks
- Neighborhood nuisance
- Environmental pollution due to CO2 emissions
Alternatives
As you can see, burning leaves is very complicated because you have to follow many rules. There are much simpler ways that are also more environmentally friendly:
- Take leaves to the recycling center.
- Use leaves as fertilizer
- Dispose of leaves in the organic waste bin
- Compost leaves yourself
- Use leaves as winter protection
