Roads; maintenance of greenery and shrubs

Green spaces can only fulfill their use-related, design and landscape-ecological functions as well as their importance for human well-being if they are maintained. In addition to the direct protection of road embankments against erosion, they ensure that the road structure is greened and designed in a way that is compatible with the landscape. Regular green maintenance ensures that the clearance profile next to the traffic area is kept clear and that traffic signs and markings are visible. In addition to traffic and operational concerns, ecological aspects must also be taken into account when maintaining the greenery.

The areas directly adjacent to the road must be mowed intensively to ensure adequate visibility and a suitable field of vision for road users and also to ensure proper drainage of the traffic areas. The removal of damaged and diseased plants, the removal of trees and branches after storm and wind breaks and the regular maintenance of trees and shrubs on the side of the road are all part of the maintenance of trees and shrubs. The more distant lawn and wooded areas are extensively maintained to take account of the ecological importance of the roadside areas. When maintaining trees and shrubs, the protection regulations for landscape features and species must be observed.

Various authorities are responsible for maintaining the greenery along the roads:

• Municipal roads and roads within the built-up area: Municipality
• County roads outside the built-up area: County or independent city
• State roads outside the built-up area: State building authorities
• Federal roads outside the built-up area: State building authorities
• Freeways: The Autobahn GmbH of the federal government