The aesthetic appeal of gravel gardens divides opinion; some find them stylish, while others derisively call them “Gardens of Dread.” These gray, stony spaces are regularly condemned on social media as eyesores in German front yards. City officials are increasingly viewing these gravel gardens as environmental nuisances.
Gravel gardens, largely found in newer residential areas, are becoming a problematic trend. Marja Rottleb, a gardening expert with the German Nature Conservation Association (NABU), explains, “Young families move into a new home, unsure of what to do with their yards, and opt for gravel gardens after seeing neighbors do the same. It appears neat initially.”
However, these gardens pose significant environmental threats. The fabric under the gravel prevents soil from absorbing water, and the weight of the stones compacts the soil. During summer, the heat from the gravel makes the surroundings unbearable, with no relief for humans or plants. This absence of vegetation also means a lack of wildlife, including insects, which are crucial for ecological balance.
In response, cities across Germany are stepping up enforcement against gravel gardens. The latest city to act is Leipzig, where the left-wing faction in the city council initiated a new greening regulation explicitly banning gravel gardens. Michael Neuhaus, a party spokesman for environmental issues, highlighted this new rule’s importance.
Chemnitz has had a similar regulation for about eighteen months, and Erfurt is in the process of revising its greening policies to include a ban on gravel gardens.
Christoph Naumann, a lawyer specializing in administrative law in Leipzig, remarks that technically, gravel gardens are already prohibited. “State construction regulations require that gardens be capable of absorbing water and be green. The legal tools are there, and they are quite clear. The challenge is enforcement.”
Interestingly, when queried by MDR AKTUELL, some municipalities interpret the language of the state building codes as a clear prohibition of gravel gardens, while others do not. Making these bans explicit at the municipal level through statutes could be beneficial, suggests Naumann. However, he emphasizes the need for effective enforcement, which requires adequate personnel to inspect and enforce these regulations on a case-by-case basis.
