Tree Removal

You cannot simply cut down or remove a tree. If you want to cut down a tree, you may need an environmental permit. “Cutting down” can also refer to very drastic pruning, such as removing a tree’s crown. Only the owner can apply for an environmental permit (or must give permission for it).

If the tree is on the list of protected trees, you will need a permit. The trees on this list have been designated as valuable by the municipality. If the tree you intend to cut down is not on the list, you do not need a permit. You must, however, comply with the Nature Conservation Act. This law stipulates that the felling of trees must not harm any protected animal or plant species.

Requests

Here you can find out whether you need an environmental permit. If you do need a permit, you can apply for it directly through the Omgevingsloket.

• You will receive a written response from the competent authority. This may be the municipality, but it could also be the province, the water board, or the national government.
• In most cases, consultation with the competent authority is required, as an environmental permit requires a customized approach.
• If your application is approved, the permit will be sent to you (along with the conditions under which it is granted).
• If you disagree with the decision, you may file an objection.

In the application, please provide the following:

• The species and number of trees to be cut down;
• The location of the trees to be cut down;
• The reason for the request to cut down the tree.
• As well as written consent from the owner, if the owner is not submitting the application personally.

If the application for an environmental permit involves more than just the removal of one or more trees, a standard or an extended preparatory procedure may apply (depending on the complexity of the application). The standard preparatory procedure has a processing time of eight weeks (from confirmation of the application to the announcement of the decision) and may be extended by six weeks. The comprehensive preparatory procedure has a processing time of six months, with a possible extension of six weeks. The competent authority will indicate in advance which of the two types of procedures will apply.

Good to Know

Felling a tree may be necessary if:

• The tree poses a danger;
• The tree blocks the sun and the view;
• From a maintenance standpoint, it is advisable to cut down the tree (for example, to give other trees more space).

Before you cut down a tree, it’s a good idea to first check the list of protected trees to see if you need a permit to do so.

Additional Terms and Conditions

The municipality may attach certain conditions to the permit, such as:

• A replanting requirement. The municipality may also set a deadline by which the replanting requirement must be met;
• A 6-week objection period. In most municipalities, the issuance of environmental permits is publicly announced so that interested parties can file objections. The municipality may then still decide not to grant the permit.

The trees you wish to cut down may be protected under the Nature Conservation Act.

Grounds for Denial

The grounds on which the municipality may deny a permit are:

• The ecological value of the forest stand;
• The scenic value of the wooded area;
• The value of woodlands to the beauty of cities and towns;
• The visual impact of the forest;
• The cultural and historical value of the forest stand;
• The value of the forest stand for quality of life.

When an application for an environmental permit is submitted, the municipality will have to weigh the interests in preserving the tree stand against the interests in removing it. This may result in a valuable tree being cut down after all if, for example, the tree is in danger of being blown over.