Protected season, permits, liability, storm damage: the key rules and tips for tree owners in Munich – short and clear.
Felling & protected season
When can trees be removed?
The Federal Nature Conservation Act (§ 39 (5) BNatSchG) protects nesting birds and other wildlife: from 1 March to 30 September it is prohibited to cut back heavily, coppice or remove trees outside forests, hedges and shrubs.
During this time gentle maintenance pruning is still allowed, such as removing deadwood or lightly trimming the year’s growth. Heavy cutbacks and removals are scheduled for the felling season from October to February.
Exceptions
Imminent danger: If a tree is at risk of breaking after a storm, it may be secured or removed in summer to prevent harm.
Private gardens: Special rules can apply to trees on garden land. Species protection under § 44 BNatSchG always applies, though – a tree with an occupied nest or bat roost must not be felled.
Official exemption: In justified cases the nature conservation authority can grant an exemption.
Our tip: Plan autumn removals in summer. Slots between October and February are in high demand.
Permits
Munich’s tree protection bylaw: do I need a permit?
In the City of Munich, the tree protection bylaw (Baumschutzverordnung) determines which trees are protected. As a rule, trees with a trunk girth of 80 cm or more, measured 100 cm above ground, are protected – on private land too.
Anyone who wants to remove or heavily cut back a protected tree needs a permit from the city first. Replacement planting is often required.
How to proceed
Measure the trunk girth at 1 m height – a tape measure is enough.
Take photos: the whole tree, the base of the trunk, any visible damage.
Apply to the City of Munich, giving a reason (e.g. disease, risk of failure, building project).
Wait for the decision – only then remove the tree.
Towns around Munich may have their own bylaws with different thresholds – or none at all. We check this during the site visit and provide photos and details for your application.
Removing a protected tree without a permit can lead to substantial fines. When in doubt, ask first.
Liability
Duty of care: who is liable when a tree falls?
Property owners must make sure their trees pose no avoidable danger. If a tree falls on a neighbour’s car or injures a passer-by, the owner can be held liable – if they overlooked visible defects.
In a dispute, what counts as “visible” often comes down to whether the tree was inspected regularly. For businesses, property managers and municipalities, the German FLL tree inspection guideline is the established benchmark.
What you can do
Have trees near paths, roads, playgrounds and buildings checked regularly.
Document inspections and work – with dates and photos.
Check specifically for new damage after storms.
Tree health
Warning signs: is my tree dangerous?
Not every diseased tree is immediately dangerous – but take these signs seriously and have them checked by a professional:
Fungal fruiting bodies at the base or on the trunk – often a sign of internal decay.
Cracks in the trunk or in large forks.
Deadwood in the crown, especially above paths, patios and roofs.
A new lean or a lifted root plate after a storm.
Cavities, loose bark or weeping sap.
A sparse crown that colours early compared with neighbouring trees.
Send us photos of these spots – often that already tells us how urgently a site visit is needed.
Emergency
After the storm: the right steps
Keep your distance. Fallen or split trees are under tension and can move suddenly.
Please do not reach for a chainsaw yourself. Most serious accidents after storms happen when untrained people cut up storm-damaged wood.
Construction
Protecting trees on construction sites
Most trees on construction sites do not die from the saw but years later – because their roots were compacted, torn or buried. The German standard DIN 18920 describes how to protect trees during construction.
Protective fencing around the root zone – usually the drip line plus 1.5 m.
No storage of materials and no driving in the root zone.
Trunk protection with boards where machines must pass close by.
