Cut back ash only with permission?
You have to cut back a tree every now and then, and this often also applies to an ash tree. Sometimes, however, such a cut is subject to approval, i.e. the approval of the competent authority is required. If you are not sure, you should inquire in case of doubt.
The ash in Germany
There are three types of ash in Europe, the narrow-leaved ash and the manna ash were not originally located in Germany, but now occasionally in some areas grow. The common ash species found in Germany is the common ash, also known as tall or common ash. It is one of the tallest deciduous trees because it can grow up to 40 meters high. Their crown is spherical. If the conditions are favorable, an ash tree can live to be 200 to 300 years old. However, ash dieback caused by a fungus has been rampant in Europe since the 1990s.
- Ash trees grow very quickly, just five years after planting they have reached their final height of 30 to 40 meters.
- Generally, ash trees grow very balanced, so that pruning is often not necessary. However, if your ash has become very large and you would like to cut it back, you should do this at the end of February / beginning of March, i.e. before it sprouts. To cut back, you can use a stick the length of the branch you want and hold it to the branches. While pruning, look at the tree from a distance from time to time to keep control of the pruning.
- If you have no experience of pruning trees and, above all, is it a very old tree? it is advisable to commission a specialist company who specializes in such work to carry out the pruning of the trees properly performs. Improper execution can even be considered an administrative offense.
Cut back permission
Often times, you cannot simply prune back a tree as you wish. Sometimes you need government permission not only for felling but also for pruning.
When the tree pruning should take place in your garden depends, among other things, on ...
- Based on the Federal Nature Conservation Act, the individual federal states have authorized the municipalities in their nature conservation or landscape management laws, To issue so-called tree protection ordinances, as the trees are an important source of food for many animals and also important for the ecosystem are.
- If you want to prune back an ash tree and you are not sure whether you need permission to do so, it is definitely advisable if you do Inquire with your municipality beforehand whether a permit is required, as non-compliance can lead to a high penalty payment.
- There are different regulations depending on the state and municipality in which you live. For example, if a permit is required, you may need to complete an application for a tree pruning permit. You can find out from your local authority whether you need such a form and which authority it is to be sent to or in what other way a permit is to be obtained.
In any case, the following applies: if in doubt, ask before you cut back a tree and risk a penalty.
