Tree care in the Märkisches Kreis: Safe through the fall!

Tree care in the Märkisches Kreis: Safe through the fall!

The tree care season begins again in the Märkischer Kreis in October and lasts until the end of February. As the Honne newspaper reports, the focus is on federal and state roads as well as cycle paths. The aim of this care is to ensure road safety and at the same time promote healthy trees and bushes. But this is not only good for traffic, but also for nature: woody plants provide habitat for numerous species of birds, insects and other animals.

The work involved in caring for trees is anything but trivial. Professional pruning ensures that road users are protected from glare and wind. The trees and bushes also stabilize embankments and provide overflight aid for various animal species. It is important that the view of traffic signs, guide posts and traffic lights remains clear in order to avoid dangerous situations.

Care with care

The maintenance work carried out by Straßen.NRW or commissioned companies requires careful planning. Temporary traffic restrictions cannot be ruled out during the work, and neighboring communities, residents and the public will be informed about the measures through press releases and flyers. Inadequate care could cause dangerous conditions, including the falling of trees.

Particular attention is paid to selective stock management, in which selected trees and shrubs are specifically removed to promote healthy vegetation. “Putting on the stick” of older stands of trees is also used, in which the trees are cut about 20 cm above the ground. As a result, the maintenance may look a little unsightly at first, but in the long term it will benefit biodiversity, as was also stated in an updated information paper from the Ministry of Transport and the Environment, which specifies the standards for tree care.

Rules and regulations

Again North Rhine-Westphalia environmental page explains, strict regulations apply to tree care, especially during the vegetation phase from March to September, when felling of certain trees is prohibited in order to protect breeding grounds for birds. Questions about tree care and tree protection regulations can be clarified directly with the responsible local or district administrations.

During the maintenance work, attention is also paid to the fact that tree protection regulations apply in many municipalities, which regulate the felling of certain species. In order to reconcile ecological needs with traffic safety requirements, Straßen.NRW is guided by the requirements of the Federal Nature Conservation Act and special guidelines for road construction authorities.

Overall, tree care plays an important role in maintaining both traffic safety and biological diversity. More information about the upcoming work can be found on the Straßen.NRW website, as well as details about the maintenance work, which will be carried out by an experienced tree surgeon.