Rampant hedges and bushes are a thorn in the side of some hobby gardeners. But beware: According to the Federal Nature Conservation Act, larger cutting measures may only be carried out within a specified period of time! These regulations also apply in your own garden.

Shrubs may only be severely pruned in late autumn and winter

Strict time frame: October 1st to October 28th/29th February

The legal situation is the same for garden owners and allotment gardeners as it is for cities and communities: In the period between March 1st and September 30th it is strictly forbidden to cut back hedges and shrubs. Anyone who does not comply faces a fine of several thousand euros. Since this nationwide time frame may be extended by the individual states, you should find out about the legal situation that applies to you.

Which shrubs and pruning measures are affected?

“It is forbidden to cut down, plant or remove […] trees, […], hedges, living fences, bushes and other woody plants in the period from March 1 to September 30; Gentle shaping and care cuts are permitted to eliminate the growth of the plants or to keep the trees healthy,” is the wording of the legal text.
In concrete terms, this means that only the one-year-old wood may be cut back during the period mentioned in order to keep the plants in shape. Cutting back into perennial wood or removing entire trees and shrubs is not permitted.
The regulation expressly refers to all types of trees and shrubs:

  • Shrubs and bushes of any plant species
  • Bamboo, reed and other reeds
  • Topiary hedges
  • ornamental trees
  • trees

Please note that cutting back hedges and shrubs so far that they do not encroach on sidewalks or roadways is not only permitted, it is even mandatory.

Why isn't pruning allowed between March 1st and September 30th?

It is not for nothing that the legislature prescribes these strict rules: they serve to protect nature, in particular to protect small animals that nest in trees and seek shelter. In the spring, many species begin to build nests and brood cavities in hedges, trees and shrubs. They need the protected environment to raise their young undisturbed. If disturbed by summer pruning, they may orphan their brood.
That's why you should also pay attention to your animal roommates in the garden when doing maintenance cuts and, if in doubt, leave the hedge trimmers (77.00 €) in the tool shed. Rampant shrubs never hurt anyone, but a loss of biodiversity through encroachment on nature can have serious consequences for all of us.

Category:

Garden design