Do you have a spruce tree in your garden that is bothering you for some reason? Use our compact guide to find out whether you are really authorized to cut down the tree and what you need to consider when doing so.
Is it allowed to cut down a spruce tree in the garden?
Felling down a spruce tree is permitted if you are the property owner, the felling is legally permitted and your municipality's tree protection statutes are adhered to. Felling is generally only permitted between October and February to protect breeding birds.
Is felling a spruce tree allowed?
Whether you are allowed to fell a spruce tree essentially depends on two points:
- You must be theowner of the property on which the tree is located. If there are co-owners, their consent is required.
- Felling must belegally permittedin your region. Find out about theTree Protection Regulations that applies in your community. It is also important to check whether your spruce meets the necessary criteria. For example, in many places trees with a certain trunk circumference are not allowed to be felled unless they pose a threat.
When does it make sense to apply for an exemption?
First of all, we would like to note that it is ALWAYS better to report the planned felling to the responsible authority. If your spruce does not meet the criteria in the tree protection regulations, i.e. should not actually be felled, you can apply for anexemption permit under the following circumstances:
- Spruce is sick/weakened (e.g. bark beetle infestation)
- Spruce is unstable and threatens to fall over
- Spruce grows in such a way that it endangers buildings
Counterexample: You have no prospect of being granted an exemption if the tree casts too much shade for you or displeases you for other reasons.
When can you cut down a spruce tree?
Felling down a spruce or any other tree is generally only permittedfrom October to February inclusive. From March up to and including September, the Federal Nature Conservation Act prohibits the felling of trees. This ensures that breeding birds are not disturbed or even endangered when raising their offspring.
Note: Exceptions are possible, but again only if the tree poses a threat.
What should you pay attention to when felling a spruce?
If the unauthorized felling of a spruce tree results in a report from a third party or even an accident, a massive pen alty can be expected. It is therefore strongly recommended to report the project yourself in advance, obtain permission and have thefelling carried out by a professional
To fell a spruce tree as a private individual, you need:
- complete protective equipment (helmet with visor, hearing protection, gloves, cut protection trousers (€116.00 on Amazon), safety shoes)
- a completed basic chainsaw course
Tip
How much does it cost to fell a spruce tree?
Felling down a spruce tree by a professional is possible from around 500 euros, depending on the provider. However, depending on the specific effort and type of disposal, the costs can quickly rise into the low to mid four-digit range. Removing the rootstock also costs around 150 to 450 euros.