AT A GLANCE
What role does nature conservation play with the birch?
The birch is in Germany not under conservation, although it is increasingly suffering from climate change. However, note the local tree protection statute, which may differ. Tapping and pruning are acceptable or permitted with restrictions. A permit is required for felling older birch trees.
When can I cut back a birch?
So that breeding birds are not disturbed, you may only plant your birch in the period from October to February inclusive stronger cut back. If you plan to cut back heavily, you should also check whether the local tree statute contains further restrictive provisions.
also read
How is the birch affected by climate change?
The birch tolerates neither long lasting dryness still wet. However, climate change is giving us more and more summers in which it hardly rains for many weeks at a time. In the rest of the time, however, there are long periods of rain. Although the birch is known as an undemanding pioneer tree, it has it as
shallow roots difficult to adapt to these changing conditions. An unbalanced water balance weakens the birch and makes it more prone to Diseases.Is it allowed to tap birch sap?
There is currently no legal provisions. In principle, you can use any Tapping birch, if it is yours or you have permission from the owner. But tapping is controversial precisely for ecological reasons. Conservationists are completely against it for these reasons:
- an injury is inflicted on the birch
- the risk of fungal infestation is increased
- the birch needs the water for its own growth
It is quite possible that the warning to stop tapping will at some point be legally enshrined as a ban.
What role do fungi play in nature conservation?
birch mushrooms belong to the legally protected mushroom species in Germany. Since you live in symbiosis with the birch, this is ultimately also affected. Living on a birch protected mushrooms, cutting and felling may be restricted. Birch mushrooms may be collected, but in small quantities and only for personal use.
In which cases is permission granted for a felling?
Deciduous trees, which include the birch, may only be planted with a trunk circumference of 80 cm or more with a prior permit be felled. If the birch has multiple trunks, the limit of 50 cm applies. Among other things, the following speaks for approval:
- road safety is at risk
- Felling is in the public interest
- other trees are negatively affected
- Birch has no ecological function
- Land use is affected
Is imminent danger, because, for example, the birch is no longer stable due to illness, a permit can generally be expected. The approval granted may be subject to certain conditions, for example a new planting or a compensation payment.
Tip
Water the birch when summer shows its dry side
On average, the roots of a birch go only about a meter deep. If there is no rain for many weeks, the earth around them dries up. so that the lack of water does not weaken the birch and it develops yellow leaves, you should water it regularly, but not too abundantly.
