The city of Geretsried has been practicing clearly regulated tree protection for ten years. The city council has now made changes to the ordinance. Legal changes and practical experience made this necessary, according to the municipal environmental officer Inken Domany. The essential innovation is the introduction of compensation payments, explained Stadtbaurat Rainer Goldstein in the city council. The ordinance provides that when a tree is felled, replacement planting can be prescribed, in principle on the property of the intervention. “Location-appropriate deciduous and coniferous trees” are planned, the trunk of which should have a circumference of at least twelve centimeters. If replacement plantings are not possible or reasonable, a compensation payment of 750 euros can be demanded, which is earmarked for new trees or care and maintenance measures for existing trees in public areas in the city area.
Goldstein said there are between 30 and 80 “tree protection cases” in Geretsried every year. The regulation has proven to be a very good tool: “You often get into conversation with people.”