Felling and pruning of trees and bushes in the period from 01.03. to 30.09. of each year 
Do you want to cut down a tree or prune bushes on your property?
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Basic information
Authorized users or property owners must observe the following when planning to fell trees or prune trees or bushes:
In the period from March 1 to September 30 of each year, the so-called "summer felling ban" applies. Trees, bushes and other woody plants may not be cut, felled or cleared. Shaping and maintenance pruning (e.g. of a garden hedge) is permitted.
Important note: Bremen and Bremerhaven have a tree protection ordinance. An application must be submitted to the nature conservation authority for all planned measures on protected trees.
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Procedure
An informal application must be submitted with the following information:
- Applicant (name and address)
- affected property (address/field and parcel)
- Plant species (e.g. birch, ivy, blackberry bushes, etc.)
- Reasons for felling or pruning
- Information on existing nesting and breeding sites
More information
- The Tree Protection Ordinance must be observed!
- Measures to ensure traffic safety that cannot be postponed and cannot be carried out in any other way are permitted without exemption if the tree or bush is located on roads, paths or on properties that are accessed by people. The trees or bushes that are to be felled to ensure road safety should be documented in advance, at least photographically, in your own interest.
- Questions about neighboring rights and trees cannot be answered.
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Competent Department
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Die Senatorin für Umwelt, Klima und Wissenschaft | Abtl. 3 | Natur, Wasser
- +49 421 361-2407
- An der Reeperbahn 2, 28217 Bremen
- Website
- office
@bau. bremen. de
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Online Services
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Forms
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Informal application for exemption from the summer felling ban (pdf, 444.8 KB)
Application form as an aid
No online service
signature required
Submission by fax or mail possible
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Fees / Costs
94,00 EUR positive reply
47,00 EUR refusal -
Legal Bases
Frequently asked Questions
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When do I have to submit an application if I want to cut down a tree or prune bushes in the period from 01.03. to 30.09. of a year?
As soon as the felling of a tree or pruning of shrubbery is planned in the period from 01.03. to 30.09. of each year, which is more than a gentle form and maintenance pruning.
Note: An application must always be submitted for trees protected under the Tree Protection Ordinance.
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I would like to fell a protected tree or cut off branches in the period from March 1 to September 30. What do I have to consider?
In the period from March 1 to September 30 of each year, the so-called "summer felling ban" applies. Trees, bushes and other woody plants may not be cut, felled or cleared. Shaping and maintenance pruning (e.g. of a garden hedge) is permitted.
An application must be submitted to the nature conservation authority for all planned measures on protected trees. An application form can be downloaded from the website of the Senator for the Environment, Climate and Science
or the online application form can be used. When submitting an application, in addition to the required information, details of existing nesting and breeding sites must also be provided. -
I would like to build. There is a conflict with trees on the building plot. What do I have to do?
The nature conservation authority will provide information on this in each specific case.
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Who checks the traffic safety (stability and breakage safety) of a tree?
Depending on the requirements, a specialist company in gardening and landscaping as well as publicly appointed and sworn experts can be considered for the inspection. The experts can be inquired at the Chamber of Commerce (www.handelskammer-bremen.de) or e.g. the Chamber of Agriculture of Lower Saxony (www.lwk-niedersachsen.de).
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When can I cut hedges?
Ornamental hedges on properties may be trimmed back into shape at any time (careful pruning of one year's growth) if it is ensured that no protected animals are affected.
This page has been automatically translated by DeepL. We cannot guarantee that the translation is correct.
The official information in German is complete and correct. 21.10.2025