Bird protection period from March to September
Garden owners need to take this into account now
From March 1st to September 30th is bird protection time. What do garden owners need to consider during this time? An overview.
With the arrival of spring, nature awakens from its hibernation, and the bird world also begins to become more active. The feathered animals return from their winter quarters and look for breeding grounds. They find suitable places to build their nests in hedges, trees and bushes. For garden owners, this means restraint. Because March to September is bird protection time. What is forbidden and what is allowed during this period?
Bird protection: No hedge trimming from March 1st
What is allowed during bird protection season?
According to the law, “gentle shape and care trimming” of hedges is permitted all year round, for example to cut back growth. Before gardeners start using the scissors, they should carefully check whether a bird has already nested in the hedge and, in this case, postpone the cut for a few weeks.
Trees that are not explicitly protected can be felled in the garden all year round – if you have first made sure that there is no bird’s nest with eggs or young birds hidden in them.
In the event of a crown break or fungal infestation, you should react immediately and contact your municipality to possibly obtain a special permit. The same applies if road safety is at stake due to hedges or trees.
High penalties for violations
Violations could result in heavy fines. The amount of the fine varies from state to state and also depends on the length of the pruning. According to the catalog of fines A radical cut can cost between 50 and several thousand euros – in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania even up to 100,000 euros.