Anyone who simply falls their Christmas tree in the forest risks a fine of 100,000 euros

Created: 2022-12-07 12:51 p.m

By: Momir Takac

Cutting down the Christmas tree in the nearest forest yourself is probably the cheapest way of acquiring it.

But that can be extremely expensive.

Munich – Around 27 million Christmas trees are sold in Germany every year.

While in the past decades it was traditional to decorate it only on Christmas Eve, many people now put up the Christmas tree weeks before Christmas.

Simply hitting the Christmas tree in the nearest forest is illegal

But quite a few will still need a Christmas tree and may be wondering where you can get a nice fir tree the fastest and cheapest.

The forest in front of the front door certainly comes to mind for one or the other.

There is hardly anything more economical, you only need an ax or a saw.

Anyone who illegally knocks down their Christmas tree in the forest risks a hefty fine.

© IMAGO / snowfield photography / Ralf Ibing

But just going to the nearest forest and cutting down your own Christmas tree is not a good idea.

In fact, it is not allowed at all.

“Everything that lives in the forest cannot be taken.

This is theft, not a trivial offense and can be punished," explains forester Max Kammermeier from the Bavarian State Forests to the

portal .

Depending on the federal state, cutting down a Christmas tree yourself can be quite expensive

Anyone who does it anyway and is caught can – apart from possible prison sentences under civil law – be fined up to 100,000 euros depending on the region in Germany.

The maximum fine threatens in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, in Bavaria up to 5000 euros can be due, in Lower Saxony up to 12,500 euros.

The amount of the fine depends on the size and type of tree, says Kammermeier.

If you still want to cut down a Christmas tree in the forest, you should ask the owner and get permission from the nature conservation authority responsible in the state, advises Kammermeier.

Alternatively, you can cut your Christmas tree yourself at numerous private providers and companies.

Fun for the whole family and guaranteed safe.