Can you still remember the time when dark smoke regularly rose from the fields at the weekend? On the so-called burning days, people disposed of their leaves by setting them on fire. Today, this tradition is severely restricted by official regulations. On this page you can read whether you can still burn your leaves and what you have to watch out for.

In autumn it may be permitted to burn leaves

When is burning leaves allowed?7

A big pyre in your own garden? This is doomed to fail. Because the burning of green waste and garden waste in the private sector is actually prohibited nationwide - actually. In some federal states there are extra rules that can also differ from municipality to municipality. It is therefore best to find out about the local regulations from your responsible office.
Of course, this guide cannot describe all individual differences in the statutes. However, some general rules apply to almost every state:

  • Burning is only allowed at certain times of the year (mostly in autumn).
  • Certain times are also prescribed.
  • The fire must not be exposed, but must be enclosed by a fire basket.
  • Burning is strictly prohibited at the edges of forests and grain fields.
  • A minimum distance to buildings is required.
  • Pay attention to the wind direction when lighting a fire.
  • Neighbors may forbid the burning if they are disturbed by the smoke.
  • You may only burn leaves, no other objects.
  • You have a duty of care.
  • Leave no ash or other residue.

Punish

If you break the rules, you risk at least a fine. If you accidentally start a fire, you must also pay for this damage. Your fire insurance will not cover the cost.

Pay attention to what?

  1. Inform both local residents and the office of your project.
  2. Remove all flammable objects.
  3. Make sure that no children or pets could suddenly run through the garden.
  4. Calculate the wind (flying sparks).
  5. Always have something ready (water bucket, fire blanket,…) to quickly extinguish the fire in an emergency.

driven

  • increased risk of fire from flying sparks
  • harassment of the neighborhood
  • Environmental pollution from CO2 emissions

alternatives

As you can see, burning foliage is very cumbersome, because you have to follow a lot of rules. There are much easier ways, which are also more environmentally friendly:

  • Bring leaves to the recycling center.
  • Use leaves as fertilizer
  • Dispose of leaves in the bio bin
  • Compost leaves yourself
  • Use foliage as winter protection

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Care tips