Overview
- The federal nesting-protection period under BNatSchG §39 Abs.5 ended Thursday, Oct. 1, so stronger cuts, rejuvenation or removal of hedges and shrubs are again permitted on private property.
- Even after Oct. 1, owners must first ensure no bird or insect nests or other protected habitats are present before carrying out radical cuts or removals.
- Municipal tree‑protection statutes and development rules can still require permits for tree work, so homeowners should check local regulations before cutting.
- Violations remain administrative offences with fines that vary by state and can be substantial, with reports citing typical maximums around €15,000 and higher caps in some states.
- Neighbours keep legal rights over overhanging branches and fruits, homeowners are advised to request trimming first and allow a reasonable deadline before removing overhang themselves, and a 2016 Freiburg court ruling confirmed there is no duty to perform radical pre‑season cuts to meet neighbour height limits.