Overview
- From March 1 to September 30, radical pruning, setting hedges to the stump, or removing hedges, shrubs and reeds is prohibited under the Federal Nature Conservation Act.
- Only light form and maintenance cuts are allowed during this period, and nests must not be destroyed or animals significantly disturbed.
- Safety-related trimming, such as removing storm-damaged or hazardous growth, can be permitted, often after consulting the local authority.
- Tree felling is generally barred from March to October, with additional municipal tree-protection rules and typical thresholds around 60–80 cm trunk circumference, excluding most fruit trees.
- Violations can bring heavy penalties, with fines of up to €100,000 reported for cutting hedges to the stump during the protection period.