When you hear the word “catalogue of fines”, you first think of offenses in road traffic. However, there is also the catalog of fines for environmental protection. The set of rules punishes environmental offenses – also in the garden or on one’s own property.
Kill or injure highly protected snails
Especially in humid summers, voracious slugs can drive passionate hobby gardeners to sheer desperation. That doesn’t exactly make snail protection popular. Nevertheless, not all snails can be fought, some species are under strict protection. Anyone who does it anyway must expect high penalties. Depending on the federal state, this administrative offense is accompanied by a Fine of up to 65,000 euros punished.
In Germany are noisy Federal Species Protection Ordinance for example the northern purple snail (Nucella lapillus), the spotted Roman snail (Helix Aspera) and the common Roman snail (Helix Pomatia) are strictly protected. Incidentally, the latter proves to be a real beneficial in the garden.
cut hedge
If you want to bring the hedge back into shape in the garden, you have a clear path all year round – gentle shaping and care cuts are permitted. The situation is different with the complete cutting off, which is generally forbidden from the beginning of March to the end of September in order to protect nesting birds and other animals. Failure to follow this rule can result in a fine that varies by state. the fines are based on the cut area and start at 40 euros and can amount to up to 100,000 euros.
to cut a tree
The tree is annoying – it sheds needles, takes the sun and takes up a lot of space in the garden. So he has to go. However, anyone who hastily fells a tree in their own garden without first asking the relevant authority whether a permit is required for the tree felling or whether it is a protected tree species that may not be felled at all, has to face a high penalty calculate a fine. Up to 100,000 euros (in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania) may be due in the event of an unauthorized tree felling, since the willful destruction of trees harms nature.
In addition to protected tree species, the federal states generally protect deciduous and coniferous trees with a trunk circumference of around 60 to 80 centimeters, with fruit trees often being exempt from this regulation.
Wash your car on your own property
A few years ago they were often seen standing in the driveway at weekends – car lovers who gave their cars a thorough wash at home in front of the door. But that has become rare, and for good reason: The Water Resources Act (WHG) prohibits the introduction of potentially hazardous substances into water bodies. When washing a car on private property, it must therefore be ensured that the groundwater remains clear, i.e. that dirty water that accumulates during the wash does not seep into the ground.
Whether washing a car on your own property – at least with pure water – is allowed depends on the regulations of the local municipality. There are major regional differences across Germany. In summary, however, it can be said that washing a car on private property is usually prohibited – especially if it is done on unpaved ground. the Fines for negligent or intentional pollution of groundwater when washing cars are up to 50,000 euros, in Saxony even up to 100,000 euros.
Catching, injuring or killing moles
Even if the dark heaps of earth in the garden may bother some people, the mole is a species protected by the Federal Nature Conservation Act. The animal is a biological pest controller, aerates the soil with its tunnels and thus promotes the oxygen supply to the roots.
Injuring or even killing a mole is strictly prohibited. Live traps are also prohibited for animal welfare reasons, because moles usually do not survive them. Anyone who catches, injures, kills, or damages or destroys a mole’s breeding grounds and resting places must use a Fine of up to 65,000 euros calculate.
A prison sentence is also possible. However, this is only applied if the accused killed a large proportion of the animals or also sold animals. Killing intentionally or even habitually killing moles also increases the penalty. The responsible environmental authority then initiates criminal proceedings.
make fire
The good news first: campfires in the garden are not forbidden per se – at least not as long as there is no smoke or odor nuisance and only dry and seasoned wood is used for the fire. The burning of garden waste – for example leaves – or household waste is strictly prohibited.
To be on the safe side, you should find out from the local regulatory office, the environmental office or the police and fire brigade which regulations apply. Since an open fire is always a danger point, you should also pay attention to a few points.
- Because of the flying sparks may no flammable objects be near.
- A pit, a non-combustible underground or an area delimited by stones are suitable for one campfire at.
- The fire should always be under supervision and definitely don’t burn out alone. Extreme caution is required, especially in the presence of children.
- To the Extinguish fire If possible, a large bucket of water or sand should be used – and always kept nearby in case of an emergency.
Control bumblebees, bees and wasps
Bumblebees, bees and wasps are extremely important to our ecosystem. Nevertheless, many species are now considered threatened and are on the Red List. Bees, wasps and bumblebees are protected – it is forbidden to injure or even kill them.
The Killing specially protected species can result in fines of up to 65,000 euros entail. Also the arbitrary Removal of beehives and wasp nests is prohibited. In exceptional cases, however, relocation is permitted if there are reasonable reasons. Those affected should get help from a regional beekeeper, the municipal or city administration or from a pest controller.
Spread pesticides on paths and driveways
While more and more people tolerate wild plants in the garden, they are often a nuisance on patios or driveways. The fight against weeds is often tedious, because chemical weed killers are prohibited for reasons of environmental protection. The danger is too high that the poison seeps into the ground and thus gets into the groundwater.
If you want to destroy weeds on sidewalks or driveways, you should not use pesticides. This also applies if these agents are freely available in stores or the products are labeled as biodegradable. In some federal states there is a risk of violations Fines of up to 50,000 euros. A fine can also be imposed in some federal states for the use of certain pesticides.
This article first appeared on geo.de.