Hedges along farm roads must be trimmed
Owners and proprietors of properties bordering municipal farm roads and field paths are asked to inspect their hedges, shrubs, and other vegetation now and to trim them as necessary. Pruning should be done now, rather than waiting until the hedge is already encroaching onto the road. The goal is to keep farm roads clear to their required width on a permanent basis and to avoid obstructions, particularly for agricultural operations.
The city urges property owners to fulfill their obligations in a timely and independent manner. Those who carry out the necessary trimming now will help ensure that farmers can access their fields without difficulty. At the same time, this will help prevent problems or regulatory proceedings.
Farm roads are of great importance to agriculture in Wiesbaden. They serve as vital access routes for farmers to their fields and agricultural land. At the same time, numerous farm roads also provide access to farms and residential buildings. If the roads become increasingly narrow due to overhanging hedges and shrubs, agricultural vehicles may be obstructed. Under certain circumstances, garbage trucks may also be unable to reach properties, or the emptying of septic tanks may become difficult or impossible.
“Our farm roads are indispensable for agriculture. The farmers of Wiesbaden are particularly close to my heart. That is why I very much hope for the understanding and support of property owners. Those who trim their hedges now will ensure that the paths remain clear and that our farmers can reach their fields without any problems. At the same time, trimming the hedges in a timely manner is the simplest and most cost-effective solution for the property owners themselves,” says Marc Dahlen, Director of Transportation.
On December 17, 2025, the City Council amended the farm road ordinance accordingly. According to the amendment, owners and possessors of adjacent properties are required to ensure that vegetation—particularly hedges, shrubs, trees, and perennials—does not impede the use or maintenance of the paths.
The Civil Engineering and Surveying Office will therefore shortly be writing to the first property owners and possessors on whose properties such vegetation has been identified. Initially, those affected will have the opportunity, as part of a hearing, to comment on the findings and to carry out the necessary trimming.
The city is initially counting on cooperation and understanding. “We would like to avoid having to resort to administrative proceedings if at all possible. That is why we are appealing to you: Please check your hedges now and carry out the necessary trimming before the vegetation becomes an obstruction,” explains Dahlen.
If the request is not complied with, corresponding orders and a fine may follow. The Field Path Ordinance also allows for necessary measures to be carried out by the city at the expense of the responsible party. The resulting costs must be borne by those responsible.
The Civil Engineering and Surveying Office therefore asks all owners and possessors of adjacent properties to check the condition of their hedges and shrubs now and to carry out the necessary trimming as soon as possible. In doing so, particular attention should be paid to ensuring that the farm road remains clear up to the property line and that vegetation does not encroach into the traffic area.
“Our message is clear: Please check your hedges now and clear the necessary space. By doing so, you are making an important contribution to agriculture in Wiesbaden and, at the same time, ensuring that garbage collection trucks, waste disposal vehicles, and residents can reach their destinations safely and reliably,” Dahlen concluded.
This press release is issued by the Press Office of the State Capital of Wiesbaden, Schlossplatz 6, 65183 Wiesbaden, pressereferatwiesbadende Citizens with questions can contact the responsible department or office.