Photo: Lila la Loop
The bird protection period for pruning trees and shrubs starts on March 1, 2026.
Anyone who still needs trees, hedges or shrubs in the city districts around the spring Baldeneysee Anyone who needs to prune should hurry. Extensive pruning of trees and shrubs is only permitted until February 28th. From March 1st to September 30th, the legally mandated bird protection period applies nationwide – an important time for nature and species conservation that everyone should be aware of. You can find out more about it here.
Why the protection period is important
The protected period for woody plants primarily safeguards those animals that use hedges, shrubs, and trees as breeding and habitats. This includes, first and foremost, nesting songbirds, but also numerous insect species such as wild bees, as well as small mammals that find shelter in dense vegetation. Because many species nest, breed, or raise their young during this period, radical pruning can significantly endanger their reproduction. For this reason, the ban on cutting and felling applies not only in forests or designated protected areas, but also in private gardens, public green spaces, and around residential properties.
What is forbidden
The Federal Nature Conservation Act prohibits, among other things, the felling and cutting of trees outside of forests between March and September, as well as the severe pruning and removal of hedges, living fences, bushes, and shrubs. This regulation applies to all woody plants that are not located on areas intensively cultivated for horticultural purposes.
What exceptions are there?
Garden owners don't have to completely forgo pruning. Gentle shaping and maintenance pruning remains permitted – but only to the absolutely necessary extent – as do officially mandated measures, approved work in the public interest, traffic safety measures (provided they cannot be carried out outside of the bird breeding season), interventions pursuant to Section 15 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act, and minor removal of trees and shrubs for construction projects (max. 2 % of the area to be built upon). Important: Exemptions are generally not granted; all exceptions must be applied for, reviewed, and approved in advance.
Recommendation of the Lower Nature Conservation Authority
The Essen Environmental Agency advises reporting planned pruning in advance to clarify whether an exemption applies. Anyone violating the legal regulations is committing an administrative offense that can be punished with substantial fines. The Lower Nature Conservation Authority of Essen can be contacted via email at: unb[ AT ]umweltamt.essen.de, answer and comment.
Species protection also applies outside of the bird protection season.
Even after the bird breeding season has ended, it doesn't automatically mean you can use chainsaws and hedge trimmers. Felling old trees or carrying out major pruning may require a species protection assessment – for example, if cavities, nests, or habitats of rare species could be affected. Citizens should therefore ALWAYS contact the local nature conservation authority beforehand to avoid legal issues and damage to nature.
Conclusion
The bird protection period is a key component of species conservation at Baldeneysee and throughout Germany. Those who maintain their trees and shrubs in a timely manner and respect the legal requirements make an important contribution to preserving native wildlife – and simultaneously avoid hefty fines.
