Be careful, you may be fined!
This gardening is now prohibited
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When the weather gets better, many jump into gardening. But be careful: From now on, some activities are prohibited – there is a risk of fines and even a complaint.
As soon as the first rays of sun come out, people come out of their houses – and diligently work on the gardens and balconies. After all, after a long winter, there is a lot of gardening waiting to be done. But those who are too zealous can now even be punished for it. Because certain activities may only be carried out at a prescribed time of year.
Cutting hedges is prohibited from March to September
It's about cutting the hedge. In Germany this is only allowed between October and February. From March 1st to September 30th, hedge trimming is prohibited. What sounds absurd at first has a good reason. Because animals can live in hedges and bushes, birds like to choose these as nesting places, for example. Cutting down could destroy their habitats or, in the worst case, even injure the animals.
The ban is not new, by the way, it comes from the Federal Nature Conservation Act, more precisely Paragraph 39. According to the "Fines Catalog 2021" it says: "It is forbidden to (…) hedges, living fences, bushes and other trees and shrubs in the period from 1. March to September 30th cut off or put on the stick ".
Those who ignore the ban not only face a bad look from their neighbors, but actually a hefty fine. Since hedge trimming is a violation of the law, this can also be reported.
Up to 100,000 euros fine for gardening
Appear for gardening? This works out? Yes, one or the other had to experience it firsthand: Those who fail to meet the deadlines literally have to pay dearly for this mistake. Depending on the federal state, there is even a risk of fines of up to 100,000 euros. According to the catalog of fines, this is the case in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, for example, but only if the plant is over 100 meters high and protected. As a rule, the penalties are not only based on the location, but also on the size of the hedge. With a height of up to 10 meters, between 50 and 1,000 euros are usually due.
How do I avoid the penalty? Don't worry, the garden doesn't have to grow wild over the summer. Because the careful pruning of the plants and trees to keep them healthy or the removal of excess remains permitted. But always be careful not to disturb any birds in their home.
Sources used: Chip, T-Online, catalog of fines, Federal Nature Conservation Act