As a general rule, every tree felling is a case-by-case decision that is only made after expert examination and consideration. The decisive criterion for felling is road safety. If a tree poses a safety risk that cannot be eliminated by maintenance measures, then it must be removed. This may be the case, for example, if the tree is dying due to its age or has been weakened by disease. Under certain circumstances, construction work may also make felling necessary. In this case too, alternatives are examined and interests carefully weighed up.

Even seemingly healthy trees can pose a safety risk. This can be the case with certain tree diseases, for example: In the case of a blight fungus infestation, for example, the wood of the tree may already be decomposed and rotten, while the buds and leaves continue to sprout. The expert tree inspectors can identify such trees and suggest the necessary measures.

The six-eyes principle applies when deciding which urban trees under the maintenance of the Office for the Environment and Urban Greenery need to be felled: the municipal tree inspectors can propose felling. Before the felling is decided, two other experts from the Office for the Environment and Urban Greenery must confirm the proposal. Additional expert opinions are commissioned for particularly valuable old trees. The six-eyes principle and conscientious examination prevent wrong decisions.

In the case of tree felling due to urban construction measures, various alternatives are carefully discussed. In this way, the interests of tree protection are also taken into account by the decision-makers when weighing up interests.

Many trees in Bonn are protected.

A tree protection statute applies in the city of Bonn. Among other things, it stipulates that all trees above a certain trunk circumference are protected. In addition, special trees can be given the status of natural monuments. They are then protected by the NRW State Nature Conservation Act. In addition, trees often contain nesting sites of animal species that are protected under the Federal Nature Conservation Act. For this reason, animal protection may also speak against (immediate) felling. However, it may be necessary to fell a protected tree. This must be expertly checked and approved.

A special tool is required to remove tree stumps: the so-called stump grinder. Once or twice a year, an external specialist company is commissioned to remove the tree stumps. Over the course of the year, all "stumps" in roadside greenery are removed. Tree stumps in parks or forests are sometimes deliberately left standing. Here they are not a nuisance and provide a habitat for many animals.

Planned tree felling is usually carried out from November to the end of February. However, if there is an acute danger from trees that are not safe for traffic, they must be removed immediately. In exceptional cases, trees are also felled during the rest of the year.

Urban pruning measures are carried out all year round. When exactly which tree is pruned depends on various factors: Is there an acute danger or can the measures be planned for the long term? Is it a gentle maintenance pruning or a serious measure? Which nature conservation regulations must be observed? What personnel capacities are available and when?

What happens to diseased trees depends entirely on the tree species, the tree environment and the pathogen. There is always a need for the city to take action when safety is at risk. For example, if the tree disease causes the tree's stability to suffer, it must be pruned or felled.

Some pests, such as the oak processionary moth, pose a health risk to humans in particular, while the trees can usually cope with them. In such cases, mechanical measures must be taken to combat the pest. Some tree diseases can be tolerated as they do not pose a safety risk. Chemical pesticides are generally not used in tree care.

Section 39 (5) of the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG) regulates the ban on felling and pruning between March 1 and September 30. During this period, it is prohibited to cut or fell trees and shrubs, unless they are trees in forests, on short rotation plantations or on land used for horticultural purposes. This law serves to protect species, as many animal species breed and nest in our trees and hedges.

There are exceptions to the rule: the ban on felling and pruning does not apply to gentle maintenance measures. These may generally be carried out all year round. On the other hand, measures that cannot be carried out in any other way or at any other time in the public interest are exempt from the ban. A public interest is, for example, road safety in publicly used areas. This means that the city may carry out pruning and felling work all year round, for example to ensure road safety.

The city of Bonn is committed to protecting species. For this reason, all city trees are always inspected with an expert eye, measures are weighed up and carried out properly. Serious cuts in particular, such as planned felling, are carried out during the winter months.

As long as the existing conditions permit, replacement trees are always planted. However, there may be important reasons why trees cannot be planted in the old location: For example, the location of underground utility lines or proximity to existing trees. Each tree location is examined on a case-by-case basis and options for compensation after felling are discussed. It can sometimes take two to three years between the removal of the tree and the implementation of the replacement planting.

Yes, there are tree species that are particularly suitable for planting here in the Bonn city area. When planting urban trees, particular attention is paid to ensuring that the tree species

• can withstand the challenging conditions in the city,
• will also be able to cope with climate change in the future and
• provide native insect and bird species with food and nesting sites.

A sustainable selection of urban trees can strengthen resilience and ecological diversity in Bonn.

When planting urban trees, attention is paid to a certain planting quality. The staff at the Office for Urban Greenery follow the guidelines of the Research Association for Landscape Development and Landscaping (FLL e. V.). When planting young trees in roadside greenery, they must meet the FLL standards for avenue trees and standard trees. For example, the trees must have a trunk extension, i.e. a single straight leading shoot, and the crown may only start above 180 centimetres. In this way, the clearance requirements can be met.

The term clearance gauge refers to the area above public roads that must be kept clear at all times. This ensures that all road users can use the corresponding paths. As a rule, 2.25 meters of clearance must be maintained above footpaths, 2.5 meters above cycle paths and 4.5 meters above the carriageway. The visibility of signal systems and road signs must also be guaranteed at all times.

With regard to trees, this means above all that the treetops must not protrude into certain areas. If necessary, they must be pruned. This applies to both municipal trees and private trees that protrude beyond the property boundary onto public roads.

Newly planted young trees along roads in particular are given a white trunk coating. The protective coating was specially developed for tree trunks, is breathable and does not impair the growth of the tree trunk. It protects the bark of the young tree from heat damage. This is necessary because heat radiation from asphalt and paving slabs can generate enormous heat, especially in heavily sealed areas. Without trunk coating, the bark of young trees can suffer considerable damage.

The Neighboring Rights Act of North Rhine-Westphalia stipulates which rules apply at the property boundary between two private neighbors. Tree planting in particular, as well as shading and overhanging trees, are frequent topics of conflict between neighbors. Please note in this context: The NRW Neighboring Rights Act applies to boundaries between private properties, but not to boundaries to public properties. You can find detailed information on rights and obligations relating to neighbor law on the NRW Justice Portal website.

Urban greenery in public areas serves the common good. The same rights and obligations do not apply to plantings as between two private neighbors. For example, the usual distance regulations for tree planting do not have to be observed. After all, most streets could not be planted otherwise. Moderate nuisance such as leaf fall, overhang and shade cast by municipal trees on your property must be tolerated. However, if the city tree causes damage to your property, for example because it is in contact with the façade or the roots are throwing up your paving, appropriate measures will be taken. In such a case, please contact the City Green division at  info-stadtgruenbonnde

The city generally takes care of the public tree population. However, the support of citizens is very welcome, especially in hot and dry summer months. Additional watering can then be useful. You can also take on a green sponsorship or help to plant a new tree by making a donation.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to sponsor a tree. Proper tree care and ensuring road safety can only be carried out by municipal experts. You are welcome to take on a green sponsorship. This means that you take over the care of the accompanying planting on a tree slice or another green bed. However, the municipal employees will continue to look after the tree itself. Alternatively, you can help plant a new tree with a donation.