Tree adhesion — Tree protection and their ecological effects.

Almost a quarter of Austria’s forest area is theoretically subject to tree adhesion. In practice, this often leads to ecologically valuable individual and forest trees being cut back or felled as a precautionary measure. This is intended to avoid accidents and related claims for damages. Solutions to minimise costs for municipalities and forest owners and to preserve valuable trees are, for example, changes in liability, risk management in tree evaluation and increased personal responsibility of forest visitors. The study provides an overview of the legal basis and practice of tree protection in Austria. The focus is on the ecological effects of safety cuts and precautionary fellings. It also highlights the impact of these measures on the functions of trees and forests.