Trimming your hedge in summer can be a bad idea. Here’s how to make sure you don’t break the law.
The good weather, when it’s not scorching, can often make you want to spend time outside and garden. For example, trimming your hedge. But this activity cannot be practiced at any time. For example, farmers are strictly prohibited from pruning their hedges between March 16 and August 15. Respecting this ban is essential as part of compliance with the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Violating this rule can result in a reduction of aid of 1 to 5% as well as possible criminal prosecution.
But why? The reason is simple: the protection of birds. This period corresponds to the time when the majority of species reproduce. In fact, the presence of nests in hedges is common. And the destruction of a nest of a protected species is reprehensible. Article L.411-1 of the Environmental Code clearly states this. The sanctions provided for by article L. 415-3 can go up to 3 years of imprisonment and a fine of 150,000 euros.
And for individuals? Even if you are not a farmer, you have rules to follow when trimming your hedge. Depending on the departments and municipalities, a prefectural or municipal decree may prohibit the pruning of hedges. Find information near you: periods of restrictions are very often in spring and summer. The goal is always to protect bird reproduction.
Trimming your hedge when an order prohibits it can be punishable. You can be penalized with a fixed fine of 135 euros which can be increased up to 750 euros. As for farmers, the destruction or alteration of the nest or eggs of a protected bird species can be punished by 3 years of imprisonment and a fine of 150,000 euros.
But how do you make sure you do things according to the rules? The first step is to check that no restrictive orders have been issued in your region. In the absence of any text to the contrary, you are free to trim your hedge whenever you want. However, nothing prevents you from checking beforehand whether there are any birds living in your hedges.
Generally speaking, it is recommended to wait until September 1st to start pruning. On this date, the chicks left the nest, even after the later broods in August. In addition to protecting birds, you will also protect your hedge because the internal foliage will not be exposed to the hottest summer rays. Autumn remains the ideal season for trimming your hedges. Something to rest this summer, without feeling like you’re procrastinating.
