Pulling weeds is without question one of the most unpopular gardening tasks. Still, it's just part of it. Or not? Many people have already enjoyed the so-called gravel gardens. Not only do they look interesting and modern, but they also offer the advantage that no weeds grow, or at least significantly fewer, which of course makes the garden particularly easy to care for. However, there are municipalities that prohibit creating a gravel garden. We explain why gravel gardens are prohibited and list the federal states with, without and possibly expected bans in this regard.
What are the advantages of the gravel garden?
Overall, there is only one advantage besides the interesting look and we have already mentioned it in principle:The weedingis not necessary with this garden design or is at least less necessary. This is of course an important advantage given the little free time we have in everyday life. As the name suggests, stones (gravel) are used. Plants are completely missing or are only used in small quantities and in the form of bushes and trees. Doesn't sound really bad in itself. But why is gravel gardening forbidden, at least in some places? Well, that's because the gravel garden has disadvantages and these shouldn't be underestimated.
In some federal states, gravel gardens are banned because they are...harms the environment. But that's not the only disadvantage. Below we summarize the disadvantages that this type of garden design brings with it - both for you and for the environment:
Gravel garden forbidden: It harms the environment
The fact that the quantity and variety of plants is very small when you create a gravel garden also reduces thisBiodiversity of living things, because their natural living conditions are no longer met: Both insects and birds no longer have natural hiding places and it is also more difficult for them to find food. Valuable nesting places are also taken away from the birds. And that affects the climate. In rural areas this problem is not so big, but in the city, where there is already a lot of development, it disrupts the urban climate. And even if you plant a few shrubs, perennials or trees here and there, you won't make the situation any better, especially if you choose non-native specimens.
The temperature rises
Surely you know thatUrban regions with green spacesor avenues are pleasantly cooler in summer than built-up ones. And you also notice this when you drive into the country - plants are like natural air conditioning and if you cover your garden areas with stones, you automatically increase the temperature. This may seem like an advantage in the cooler seasons, but in summer it quickly becomes a torture. Even in the evening hours, the stones cool down very slowly and with difficulty.
The sewers can flood
This is particularly a possible problem if you have previously built gravel gardenslined with foil. And this is quite often the case, because this is exactly what you want to prevent weeds from growing. But just as weeds no longer come up, rainwater no longer comes down, which is particularly unfavorable for larger areas and heavy rain. A so-called trickle forms that runs to the sewer system and if there is particularly heavy rainfall, the water floods out of the sewer covers. For this reason, owners of a gravel garden also have to pay a fee.
Your own house can be flooded
If the large amount of rainwater is not drained to the sewer system at all, there is a possibility that it will instead run towards the house and not only the entrance, but also the entrancethe basementor other lower levels floods. And in such a case, the insurance company would not pay any compensation.
Where is the gravel garden forbidden?
These are all reasons why some federal states and/or municipalities prohibit the creation of a gravel garden. However, in most cases this only applies to new installations. So if you've had this type of rock garden for a few decades, you don't have to remove or redesign it right away. However, if you still want to find an alternative for the gravel garden due to the other disadvantages, it is suitablethe classic rock gardenfine. This is characterized by a much more diverse planting. In addition, no film is incorporated, but rather a garden fleece, which also allows rainwater to seep through. So how about a front garden with stones or another corner?
Where is the gravel garden forbidden?
- Baden-Württemberg
- Bremen
- Hamburg
Partially prohibited:
- Bayern
Currently being discussed:
- Brandenburg
- North Rhine-Westphalia
- Saxony
- Thuringia
Where is the gravel garden allowed?
- Berlin
- Hesse
- Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
- Lower Saxony
- Rheinland-Pfalz
- Saarland, taking into account the local building regulations
- Saxony-Anhalt, taking into account the local building regulations
- Schleswig-Holstein
