In the German state of Schleswig-Holstein, the season for intensive trimming of traditional hedges, known as knicks, is coming to an end. This procedure, referred to as "Auf den Stock setzen," must be completed by the end of February. It involves radical pruning of trees and shrubs to preserve their structure and ecological functions. According to farmers' associations, knicks are a regional specialty playing a key role in landscape protection and biodiversity.

Knick pruning season

In Schleswig-Holstein, the season for intensive work on knick hedges is underway and must end by the end of February. The procedure is called "Auf den Stock setzen." From early March, knicks are to be available again for animals as shelter and a food source.

Purpose and methodology of the procedure

The procedure involves radically pruning trees and shrubs almost to ground level. This causes plants to regrow as dense shrubs. Traditionally done manually, today heavy machinery is often used. Some of the residue is chipped into wood chips, making knicks also a source of biomass.

Ecological functions of knicks

Knicks are a regional specialty of Schleswig-Holstein. They serve as ecological corridors and shelters for many species. They are also a natural windbreak and anti-erosion barrier. Their maintenance is crucial for preserving biodiversity and the region's characteristic landscape.

In the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein, the annual maintenance season for traditional hedges, known by the regional name "knicks," is drawing to a close. According to regulations and agricultural practice, intensive pruning, called "Auf den Stock setzen," must be completed by the last day of February. This means farmers have only a few days left to finish the work. This procedure is essential for maintaining the characteristic dense and shrubby structure of these plant formations, which would otherwise grow into tall trees.

Knicks, as an element of agricultural culture, date back several hundred years. They are artificially created and maintained strips of field trees, typical primarily of northern Germany, especially Schleswig-Holstein. Historically, they served as natural fences between fields, protection against wind and soil erosion, and as a source of firewood and building materials for local communities.

As explained by a spokesperson for the farmers' association in articles, „"Knicks predominantly have a shrubby structure, which is only maintained through regular 'Auf-den-Stock-Setzen'"” — Rzeczniczka Bauernverband. This means that only through regular, every few years, very low cutting do plants regrow from the roots, forming compact shrubs. If this practice were discontinued, knicks would transform into linear forests, losing their unique properties. From early March, the trimmed hedges are to "belong back to the animals" – providing shelter and a food base for birds, insects, and small mammals throughout the growing season.

1 tydzień — Time left to finish the work

Today, the work is often carried out using heavy machinery, contrasting with traditional manual methods using axes and saws. The wood obtained this way is often chipped on-site into wood chips, which can serve as biomass. „"Thus, the knick also serves as a raw material supplier"” — Rzeczniczka Bauernverband – emphasizes the spokesperson, pointing to an additional, utilitarian function of these tree strips. Beyond ecological and raw material functions, knicks also play an extremely important role in protecting soil from wind erosion, which is particularly significant in the open agricultural spaces of this region.

Evolution of knick maintenance methods: Work method: Manual (axe, saw) → Mechanical (heavy machinery); Wood utilization: Firewood, building material → Biomass (wood chips)

The entire process is an example of sustainable agricultural landscape management, where human activity shapes the environment in a way that promotes biodiversity. Maintaining knicks is an obligation for landowners, and their protection and care are often regulated by local laws. The seasonal rhythm of this work – intensive cutting in winter and leaving them undisturbed in summer – harmonizes perfectly with nature's cycle, ensuring the continuity of this unique element of German natural and cultural heritage.

Key dates of the knick season: February 28, 2026 — Final deadline for completing pruning work; March 1, 2026 — Start of the protection period for animals

Mentioned People

  • Rzeczniczka Bauernverband — Spokesperson for the farmers' association in Schleswig-Holstein commenting on the knick maintenance practice.