Felling trees on the building plot – what is allowed?
Who buys a property and sees the dream house in thoughts already before itself, is usually full of energy. There is only one tree to be felled that stands in the way of the new building. But be careful: If you are too careless and simply use the chainsaw, you could get into real trouble. For even on private land, there are some things to consider so that the construction of the house can start smoothly. This article is about tree felling as a preparation for house building. From legal regulations to practical advice: Here’s everything builders need to know about felling trees!
Site preparation begins in high spirits, but must still be approached thoughtfully. To cut down a disturbing tree without permission can be punishable, because especially old, high trees are under special protection. And depending on the federal state, high fines can then hit the house building budget sensitively if permission is not granted. It doesn’t have to be – if you do your research and plan before cutting down a tree, you can soon begin construction.
The most important facts about felling trees at a glance:
- The best period for felling trees is winter. Between November and February there is less water in the wood, it dries quickly and can be used more easily as firewood.
- According to § 39 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act, felling is also prohibited on private property from 01. March to 30. September for "trees that are outside the forest, short-rotation plantations or horticulturally used ground areas".
- Also in the period between the 01. According to the law, trees may not be felled between October and the end of February if they contain nesting cavities or nests (e.g. in the forest). B. of birds, bats, hornets) are located.
- Since tree protection statutes take regional conditions into account, the specifications vary greatly as to when and which trees may be felled without a permit. Responsible municipal authorities provide binding information on which regulations apply in the region.
Which trees may be felled on private land without permission?
As a rough guide, it can be said that on private land
- Deciduous trees with up to 60 cm and
- Coniferous trees with trunk diameters of up to 90 cm
as a rule without permission can be felled.
But not only the trunk diameter and the height of the tree, also the time of the felling is important, so that there are no problems with the office.
When is tree felling allowed?
To which Season trees may be felled? Permitted If tree felling is required by the Federal Nature Conservation Act of beginning of October until the end of February.
sense behind it is, in the remaining time of March to September possibly to protect nesting birds. According to the Federal Nature Conservation Act in paragraph 39, paragraph 5, sentence 2, in the closed season is exclusively Tree care, i.e. "shaping and maintenance pruning to eliminate the growth of plants or to maintain the health of trees", allowed.
Here, too, there are exceptions, which may differ in the various federal states and municipalities. However, exceptional permits are also granted during the closed season if trees z. B. have become rotten and therefore dangerous or – what is important for builders – are in the way of a construction project.
What else must be considered when felling a tree??
Except the Tree protection ordinance home builders must also consider other things, such as possible Neighbors’ rights – for example, if the tree roots extend onto its property. In order to avoid high fines or even a charge of damage to property or bodily injury, one should play it safe – i.e. report the upcoming tree felling to the municipality and proceed carefully.
Smaller trees can be felled by laymen with the right protective equipment and at least one helper. There are many good step-by-step instructions on the Internet.
However, should a higher tree If a tree is to be felled, this is a demanding project that is better left to a professional operation should be left to a. Otherwise you could cause damage to surrounding houses and gardens or even put yourself and others in mortal danger – and who wants to have such worries at the beginning of house construction. A professional does the job safely, faster, and also takes care of the disposal of the wood afterwards.
The safe felling of larger trees should be left to a professional.
What does a tree felling cost?
The Permission for tree felling by the municipality costs, depending on the region, between 25 and 90 euros. If a Exception permit the costs increase to approx. 80 to 120 Euro.
In a new building there are many hidden Ancillary construction costs, but a tree felling is not to be underestimated – so better not to save here. After all, mistakes can lead to dicey or even fatal situations. A professional will safely determine the direction of fall of the tree and carry out the felling without endangering others.
Since the Price based on effort (height of the tree, trunk circumference, protection of the surrounding area, whether the wood itself is recycled, etc.).), prices vary greatly. For comparison, it is therefore best to get cost estimates from 2 to 3 specialized companies, which should list exactly what the offered service includes.
Here are a few figures for the first Cost estimate:
The tree can be felled in one step without any problems? Then the costs amount to approx. 450 Euro. With larger trees resp. surrounding houses, fences u.a., that could be damaged by the falling tree, several work steps are necessary. If the tree is cut in several stages starting from the crown, you should calculate with at least 600 euros.
In addition, there are additional costs of tree felling, such as tree stump removal, etc. Processing the wood and disposing of the foliage. So from the felling permit to the removal of the root and replacement planting, you have to expect at least 500 to 1000 euros.