The cherry laurel has fallen into disrepute in recent years. NABU, for example, describes the laurel cherry as an “ecological pest”. But why is that? And is cherry laurel already banned in some places? We clarify these questions in our article.
Is cherry laurel banned in Germany?
The cherry laurel is not yet fundamentally banned in Germany, but in some areas, such as the areas of the Essen allotment garden associations, planting is prohibited. A ban is being considered because the ecological benefit is low and the plant is not very insect-friendly.
Is cherry laurel banned in Germany?
So far, the cherry laurel is not yet fundamentally banned in GermanyIt is only in individual areas that you are no longer allowed to plant laurel cherries. The best-known example of this is theareas of the Essen allotment garden associations, where it has been forbidden to plant cherry laurel since the end of 2020. In addition, the property owners had to completely remove old cherry stands there.
By the way: Cherry laurel is not (yet) banned in Austria and Switzerland.
Why should cherry laurel be banned?
The cherry laurel should be banned because itsecological benefits are very low. All parts of the plant are poisonous to humans and most animals. Exception: Blackbirds and other thrushes can eat the fruit without harm because they do not chew the poisonous seeds.
The laurel cherry isnot very insect-friendly, as it can only function as a shelter, but not as a food source. That's why the nature conservation association NABU explicitly advises against planting cherry laurel in the garden. It seems only a matter of time before cherry laurel is banned comprehensively.
Tip
Switch to alternatives before the ban on cherry laurel
For the sake of nature, it is advisable not to wait for the final ban on cherry laurel, but to switch to alternatives now. If possible, choose native plants that serve as a source of food and thus attract insects, which in turn supports wild birds, which are threatened with extinction, in their fight for survival. The yew, for example, is evergreen and opaque like a cherry laurel hedge.
