Presented in the paper are hydraulic model testing results of flow of a water stream through a lateral plant obstruction. The plant element was formed by natural deciduous and coniferous tree branches filling the space between tree trunks set in chequered pattern. The experiments conducted in a horizontal, rectangular hydraulic channel included measurements of flow intensity, difference in water surface level before and after the obstruction and filling of the channel on the upstream and downstream sides. A preliminary analysis of results was performed determining the coefficient of local losses of lateral plant obstruction. Also determined was the coefficient of water discharge for the fascine overfall case assumed for the plant obstruction.