It is considered one of the most magnificent trees in Benediktbeuern: the oak in the street "Am Sternanger".
Local residents are now demanding the removal of the tree, which according to the municipality is completely healthy.
Benediktbeuern – There are several things that bother the residents of an apartment building "Am Sternanger" on the tree, the age of which was estimated at up to a hundred years at the municipal council meeting on Wednesday.
As Mayor Anton Ortlieb quoted from the residents' application at the meeting, the shadows cast by the oak tree, among other things, caused moss to grow on the garage not far from the tree.
In addition, the antenna system of the building could not be optimally aligned because of the tree.
By the way: Everything from the region is now also available in our regular Bad Tölz newsletter.
Residents are bothered by the shading of the balconies
In addition to these two main points of criticism, the residents of the house seem to be generally bothered by the fact that the tree shades the balconies and gardens and by its falling leaves.
Because of them, they have to regularly clear gutters and rake up leaves, as the mayor explained.
Examination shows: Tree is absolutely healthy
The residents of the house criticized the oak as being too large for the residential area, said Ortlieb.
He emphasized that the tree is regularly subjected to a tree inspection - this happened again this year.
The result of this most recent investigation: The tree shows "no damage" and is absolutely healthy.
In addition, Ortlieb continues, the oak tree was there before the house was built.
In order to preserve it, the access road was even built around the tree years ago.
Against this background, Rudi Mühlhans only said: "Open your eyes when buying a home." And anyway: "You don't cut down a healthy tree," according to the FBM municipal council.
Replacement planting is out of the question for the community
The motion to cut down or move the oak tree met with criticism from across the parliamentary groups.
In view of their size, the latter is not even possible, according to Ortlieb.
Cutting down the oak tree and replacing it elsewhere, as proposed by the applicants, was also out of the question for him.
Trees protect against overheating in summer
The mayor also referred to studies that had shown that trees help to protect inner cities from overheating in summer in times of climate change.
This fact also has a positive effect on the living environment in the buildings, says Ortlieb.
You can't cut the tree back too much.
Because then thinner branches would grow back.
This would not only detract from the magnificent shape of the tree, but could also become a safety problem.
Councilwoman: Oak is "jewel of a tree"
Margarete Steffens (CSU) described the oak as "a jewel of a tree".
There is no question for her that “the tree has to stay put”.
And parliamentary colleague Hans-Otto Pielmeier emphasized: "The tree is one of the most beautiful free-standing oaks that we have in Benediktbeuern." Markus Schambeck also spoke out against felling.
However, the FWG municipal council also showed understanding for the residents of the house and suggested that a TV technician should be sent to look for solutions to the antenna problem.
A caretaker service could also remove moss from the garage roof.
Municipality now wants to take good care of this tree
At the end of the discussion, Managing Director Michael Herrmann came to the conclusion that in this case the public interest in preserving the tree "clearly" outweighs the private interest.
The municipal council voted unanimously against the removal of the oak tree.
Against the background of this decision, Ralph Seifert (FBM) warned that the municipality should now take good care of the tree - not that anything happens to it as a result.
You can find more current news from the region around Bad Tölz at Merkur.de/Bad Tölz.