Tree protection

According to the statutes, protection extends to

• Trees with a trunk circumference of at least 35 cm, including walnut trees and chestnut trees, with the exception of other fruit trees
• tree-like shrubs with a trunk circumference of at least 35 cm, such as German medlar (Mespilus germanica), cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera), willow (Salix caprea) or cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) and others,
• local fruit trees with a trunk circumference of at least 60 cm.
• botanically valuable individual specimens, e.g. yew (Taxus baccata), giant sequoia (Metasequoia), ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), etc.

The trunk circumference is measured at a height of 100 cm above the ground.

Replacement plantings are protected regardless of the trunk circumference. The same applies to trees to be preserved in development plans.

The statute does not apply to trees in the following areas:

• Commercial horticulture, tree nurseries and market gardens,
• forestry use in accordance with the Thuringian Forest Act,
• listed parks and gardens.

Protected trees may not be removed, destroyed, damaged or significantly altered in shape.

This also includes interventions that impair growth, vitality, life expectancy or the characteristic appearance.

In the root area, for example, the following actions can lead to damage:

• Fixing the soil surface,
• cutting through roots,
• excavation, trenching or backfilling,
• improper use of pesticides, road salt or de-icing agents
• soil compaction caused by parking or driving on with vehicles, machines or construction site equipment,
• Changes to the groundwater table

Excluded from the prohibitions are measures to avert immediate danger as well as damage to pipelines.

Tree felling and pruning measures may only be carried out from the beginning of October to the end of February for reasons of species protection and generally require approval from the lower nature conservation authority.

In certain cases, the lower nature conservation authority will grant an exemption from the prohibitions.

The exemption usually contains ancillary provisions. These may relate to certain conservation measures or the applicant must replant trees or plant new trees of a certain type and size. In individual cases, a compensation payment is also possible.

Detailed information on the approval procedure can be found in the city's service portal: Tree felling - approval.

The number of tree felling applications submitted and the number of trees felled in the city of Jena can be seen in the statistics opposite (under Downloads).

The statistics include the development of tree felling decisions since 1990 and are expanded every year.

The difference between approved tree felling and commissioned replacement planting results from the sometimes frequent felling of trees in dense or forest-like stands. The existing tree damage in these locations is often caused by the dense stand. After felling individual, damaged or undergrowing trees, the remaining trees and the young growth adapted to the site can develop better and replacement planting is not necessary.

In all other locations, replacement planting at a minimum ratio of 1:1 is required and enforced.

The concept "Urban and street trees in a changing climate" is dedicated in detail to the future management of trees in Jena. It has been published in Schriften zur Stadtentwicklung, issue 7.

The urban tree concept contains recommendations for suitable tree species depending on the location in the urban space, particularly with regard to the predicted climate change.

It is available for download on this page.