Rules of (dis)engagement

This page sets out the rules of etiquette for guerrilla gardening. Follow them at all times!

Legal situation

Guerrilla gardening is, strictly speaking, illegal since it is deemed “damage” to public or private property. It is important to know this, and to de-escalate any confrontation as quickly as possible. By the letter of the law, guerrilla gardening may result in police intervention; unlikely as this is, it may result in a possible court appearance (Straftat Sachbeschädigung) and, in the worst case, a fine or an order for redress (correction of the “damage”) or both.

On a more positive note, the authorities are quite tolerant of it as long as no real damage is caused; in Berlin, the current Red-Red-Green government (SPD, Grüne Alternative, Die Linke) should have an even more indulgent view.

Rules of conduct

These are really common-sense guidelines about being “a guerrilla with manners” rather than “sticking it to the man” (however strong the temptation may be).

• remember to help soil remediation;
• focus on local (einheimische) plants;
• focus on perennials rather than annuals;
• plant variation: shrubs, flowers, and food;
• plant species suited to the location;
• track the date, type, and location of each dispersal;
• work in pairs or very small groups whenever possible;
• don't damage anything, especially not plants;
• avoid locations that are sprayed.

Disengagement

We don't want conflict, we want to win hearts and minds. It is much easier to persuade others of the justice of our cause if we act as true guerrillas and not as hooligans. In every situation, regardless of what it is, the golden rules are: -

• avoid trespassing;
• avoid confrontation;
• educate, don't irritate.

Planting on streets

Not only do most authorities close their eyes to planting in the patches around trees (Baumscheiben), some encourage it. To maximise the chances that plants will stay and not be removed, follow these guidelines from the Bezirksamt in Treptow-Köpenick:

1. Dig no deeper than 10 cm, to avoid damage to tree roots.
2. Do not change the level of soil in any way.
3. Leave the tree base and roots extending from it free, for annual inspection.
4. Do not hinder tree growth; plant no creepers, for example.
5. Employ only low plants that grow to max. 50 cm high.
6. Do not impair the sight of road users or otherwise create a hazard.
7. Flowers are generally accepted more readily by locals; annuals are preferred.
8. The borders of the existing bed may not be changed under any circumstances.
9. Care, watering, and rubbish removal (including dog shit) is the responsibility of the planter.
10. There can be no claim for damage – whether due to vandalism, tree care, or negligence.
11. Report planned planting to the authorities beforehand. (Personally, I'd skip this one!)
12. To protect the plants, you may erect a low hedge or fence within the borders of the bed:
    1. the street side must be left open;
    2. 50 cm or more from kerb edge;
    3. no longer than 3 m parallel to street, no wider than 1.25 m into sidewalk;
    4. use only untreated wood for posts, use planks or reeds for lagging;
    5. posts max. 15 cm thick, max. 30 cm deep in soil, and max. 40 cm high;
    6. lagging no more than 30 cm high from paving level;
    7. posts may only be dug in by hand (again, to protect tree roots).

References

Bepflanzung von Baumscheiben, Straßen- und Grünflächenamt, Berlin Treptow-Köpenick