Apply for a tree felling licence

Trees are generally protected. Authorisation may be required for the felling of trees for various reasons.

A felling licence is required in particular in the following cases where trees are subject to special protection.

1. protection of trees as "protected landscape features"

Trees can be protected by municipalities, authorities and districts through tree protection ordinances or statutes as so-called "protected landscape elements".

The specific content and procedure are governed exclusively by the law of the respective municipalities, offices and districts. (competent authority)

In addition, avenues are generally protected in the state of Brandenburg.

2. protection of trees for reasons of species conservation

It is generally prohibited to fell or prune trees in the period from 1 March to 30 September. During this period, only gentle shaping and maintenance pruning to remove growth or to maintain the health of trees is permitted. Exceptions to this may be granted, for example, to ensure road safety.

• § Section 29 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act
• Brandenburg Nature Conservation Implementation Act
• Duty to ensure public safety according to BGB
• § Section 39 (4) of the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG)

• Application
• Declaration of consent from the owner, if you are not the owner of the property yourself

If you want to cut down or prune a protected tree, you must apply for authorisation in advance. To do this, submit an application to your local authority and give reasons for your plans.

The competent authority will then check whether the requirements for authorisation have been met. Once the procedure has been completed, you will receive either an authorisation (with conditions, if applicable) or a rejection notice from the competent authority. The amount of the fee will also be decided.

If you cut down, prune or damage the tree without a permit, you may be prosecuted for an administrative offence with a fine of up to 100,000 euros.

• Tree felling licence issue in Brandenburg

  Display of performance in the source portal

In the state of Brandenburg, the lower nature conservation authorities as well as cities, offices and municipalities are responsible

In the state of Brandenburg, the lower nature conservation authorities of the districts / independent cities are responsible

• Tree species list for use in compensatory and replacement planting
• Tree protection statutes of the municipality of Rüdersdorf near Berlin