In May, lilacs bloom abundantly across Ukraine, and many people seek to decorate their homes with their fragrant branches. However, this common tradition can lead to serious legal problems and fines for those who cut or break lilacs in public places.
This is reported by Finway
The Harm Caused by Picking Lilac Branches
Lilac is a perennial shrub that forms buds for future flowering even before the current season ends. Breaking branches causes significant harm to the plant: a torn wound forms at the cut site, through which pests and fungal infections can enter. This leads to the weakening of the shrub, a decrease in the number of flowers the following year, and results in the development of inferior shoots. Over time, the plant may wither or lose its decorative appearance.
Legal Consequences and Fines
Lilacs growing in parks, squares, boulevards, or adjacent territories are considered objects of landscaping and are protected by law. According to current regulations, established back in 2006, it is strictly prohibited to damage not only trees but also shrubs in public places—regardless of the type of plant. A common misconception is that the law supposedly only protects trees; however, shrubs are under the same legal protection.
For picking or damaging lilacs, citizens face fines ranging from 340 to 1360 Hryvnias. Violations can be recorded by both police representatives and municipal guards. The fine amount contributes to local budgets. It is worth noting that for collecting early bloomers, most of which are listed in the Red Book of Ukraine, even larger fines are imposed—up to 3655 Hryvnias.
“Lilacs in parks, squares, boulevards, and adjacent territories are part of landscaping objects and are protected by law. The rules established back in 2006 prohibit the damage of any trees and shrubs in such areas—regardless of the type of plant. Many mistakenly believe that the law only protects trees. Shrubs are protected equally with them.”