Tree felling permit: screenshot of a felling permit application from the Nature and Forest Agency — Screenshot of a felling permit application from the Nature and Forest Agency.

Permit for cutting down or felling trees. The correct permit.

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Permit to cut down or fell a tree

Do you need a permit to... to cut down or fell a tree? Or to pruning? It is best that you have the correct permit. Otherwise, you could be saddled with large damages. Because you are an illegal felled tree can be assessed for value and can therefore also determine the damage.

The legislation surrounding trees is particularly complex. You have to take many laws into account. Such as with the federal law, the municipal laws, the field code, the nature decree, regulations, forest decree, BPAs, RUPs, police regulations, etc. And it often differs from plot to plot within one municipality or city.

In addition, there are heavy fines and debt claims cutting down or felling trees without a valid permit.

Where can you have a hedge or a tall stem? planting a tree or shrub in relation to the property boundary?

Do you know what is allowed and what is not allowed and which permits you need? Or can you no longer see the forest for the trees? Then ask good advice to your arborist b‑Tree. We can do the right thing for you tree advice to give!

And not just for it felling trees you often need a permit. Also for pruning trees this may be necessary. Like, for example, the pruning of monumental trees. Or trees that form a KLE (small landscape element) or trees for landscape heritage.

We are happy to help you on your way; Read more about the many regulations and legislation below.

Type 1

People often think that a tree is dangerous and that it should be felled. This is certainly not always the case. Therefore, also read our article about it “Felling or pruning a dangerous tree”With the pruning the tree the problem may be completely resolved. It is often cheaper, and certainly better for the climate and the ecosystem services the tree provides, because you keep the tree!

Type 2

If a tree has deteriorated due to the limited growing space in the soil and you have to remove it sheets, then also consider getting one plant a new tree. To make a large growing space in the soil available for the new tree, one underground growth site construction a nice solution. The tree has growth potential because of the large root space that becomes available. And above ground, the soil can be used for civil purposes such as a footpath, parking lot, play area or street. You can take this compensation measure (from planting a new tree) may possibly be included in the felling permit application. Especially because compensation is usually a condition of the validity of the permit.

Permit to fell a tree: is the tree in a forest or not?

There are various regulations regarding the felling of trees. Depending on the location of the tree and the situation:

Is the tree in a forest?
Isn't this in a forest?
Is it a tall tree?
Is the tree part of a row of trees or group of trees?
Is the tree located in an agricultural area or not?

It's all different and it's best to figure it all out.

For example, you need a felling permit if you would fell a tree in a forest that does not involve deforestation. For deforestation, on the other hand, you need a planning permit.

Do you wish to fell a tall tree that is not part of a forest? Then the general rule is that you need an urban development permit if the tree has a circumference of 1 meter or more at a height of 1 meter (relative to ground level).

However, if the tree is less than 15 meters from your home, there is, in some cases, an exemption from this permit.

Be careful with nature reserves, agricultural areas and small landscape elements

Suppose a tree is in a nature reserve or agricultural area. Then it often belongs to the small landscape elements. And it may be forbidden to cut down this tree. Unless on the condition of a valid nature permit.

In addition to exemptions, the local governments, cities and municipalities also the possibility to impose restrictions. Therefore, first consult your local government for the correct permit before cutting down a tree.

On this page you will find additional information about a permit for it Cutting of trees.

So you see. It is a tangle of rules and laws. If you do not wish to sort through this tangle of permits yourself, we will be happy to do this for you.

Regulations for permits for tree felling, felling or felling

As described above, many regulations and legislation apply to the permit for felling or felling trees. Below is a list of some major sources regarding these regulations:

Field Code (Belgian legislation)
Permit and permissions for cutting down or felling trees (Flanders)
Cutting down trees in the forest, cutting down trees outside the forest, decision diagram legislation and regulations for cutting down trees (Nature and Forest)
Cutting down trees in the forest; three possibilities (Nature and Forest)
Cutting down trees outside the forest (Nature and Forest)
Deforestation (Nature and Forest)
Website with all information about spatial planning in Flanders (Department of the Environment)
Small works on and around a building (Environmental counter)
Small works on and around a building; trees and hedges (Environmental counter)
Find out here whether your property is included in the inventory of immovable heritage (Immovable Heritage Flanders)

You need a felling permit if you want to fell trees in a forest, whereby the forest remains a forest

If you wish to fell one or more trees in a forest, but not completely deforested and the forest is not assigned any other purpose, so it remains a forest, you will need a felling permit. You can request this via e-desk of the Nature and Forest Agency.

You need to fill in a lot of information. You can do this yourself, or you can ask us for assistance tree advice.

You must also state the reasons for this cut and state the manner in which the felling will take place.

Note that the old paper version is no longer used and all requests are made via it e-counter expired.

Screenshot of part of a felling permit application from ANB (Agency Nature and Forests) for obtaining a permit to fell a tree in a forest

Screenshot of part of the old paper version of the felling permit application from ANB (Agency Nature and Forests).

Felling or felling trees along the railway? You don't know what to do, we do

You have a forest or garden with a strip of trees, located along the railway. The NMBS services will inform you that you are responsible for the trees on your plot and ask you to remove them cut...

You are indeed responsible for the trees on your property. And you must act as a “good family man”. This means, among other things, that you must take care of it. And accidents with trees should be prevented.

Does this mean that you should leave all the trees in rows? sheets or caps? No, of course not.

We can perfectly select the sick, affected and/or dangerous trees for you on the basis of a VTA control. You can then safely keep the “future trees” and you should not have all your trees cut down. This makes it a lot cheaper, while preserving a large part of your trees!

Often it is not even necessary to do the to cut down trees, but is professional pruning more than enough. Always reconsider to prune trees instead of felling.

Don't hesitate and ask tree advice To our certified tree manager. Call us without obligation! Or fill it Contact Form .

Overhanging branches and your neighbors, there's no need to argue!

When tree branches hang over the neighbors, a disagreement sometimes arises. One person likes to see beautiful trees. And thinks that removing the branches is bad for his trees. The other is inconvenienced by the overhanging branches. For example, he does not get enough light in his home or garden. Or is inconvenienced by falling leaves or fruits that clog the gutters.

There doesn't have to be any conflict. There are plenty of solutions to make everyone happy. And therefore there is no need to remove the trees sheets.

The field code states: “A person over whose property branches of a neighbor's trees hang may force the neighbor to cut off those branches.” So something will have to be done… that is clear. Recent legislation under the Civil Code also provides for regulations regarding overhanging branches.

We can do the trimming trees. And we pruning at the right time for the trees. So that your trees will not be damaged by pruning. Just as the trees will eventually grow back with a beautifully balanced crown. Which is a lot smaller and will no longer be a nuisance to your neighbors.

We mediate often and often successfully. We do this by properly and correctly informing all those involved through the first line tree advice. And to offer a long-term solution.

So don't hesitate to contact us contact for the right thing tree advice. Or for it pruning your trees, by taking in or lifting out the crowns.

“Whoever has roots growing on his property may cut them away himself.” – Please note: this is not possible just like that. And it could cost you a lot of money.

The Field Code states that “Whoever has roots growing on his property may cut them away himself.” We wouldn't just do this kind of root pruning. Think about the following for a moment.

The field code originally dates from October 7, 1886 and mainly describes rules regarding neighborliness. In addition to the Field Code, there is also a Civil Code that states "Every act of man that causes damage to another obliges the person through whose fault the damage occurred to compensate it." This is quite different.

In addition, there is also the forest and nature decree, which describes that you may not harm nature.

When the root of a tree is cut down, demonstrable damage will occur to the tree. Condition, vitality and stability can be affected. This damage is proportional to the value of the tree. And because you are a tree can be valued, you can also estimate the damage.

If you have a problem with overshooting roots of a neighbor's tree, contact b-Tree and have it properly resolved. to advise to tackle the problem judiciously. We may be able to trace the roots to another location, or carry out root preparation, so that they can be shortened without causing damage to the tree.

On the other hand, if a large root of a monumental tree has been damaged, please let us know as soon as possible VTA control execute and a prepare a valuation report, so that you can subsequently recover damages from the person who cut down the root. Make no mistake: a solitary beech with a trunk circumference of around 3 meters in a built-up area can easily have a value of € 20.000 to even more than € 100.000 for even larger or more exclusive trees... A tree does have a value .

Don't hesitate and ask your arborist b-Tree for advice. Call without obligation: 0495 – 53 60 80

Tip:

When you are going to realize a construction project, also think about it in a timely manner tree protection to be provided for the project, if existing trees are present. And it is best to do this as early as possible in the project phase; before developing the preliminary design. Because you can also avoid the root damage you cause during construction projects damage assessment to do.

Tree felling permit from various cities and municipalities in the greater Antwerp region to Brussels

Below you will find a very extensive list of all the municipalities and cities and the information sources they make available regarding permits cutting down or felling trees on their territory. There are often strictures with regard to the overarching (federal) legislation. Always contact your local government before making any decisions or starting any work.

Aarschot (Aarschot, Gelrode, Langdorp and Rillaar)

Antwerp (Berendrecht, Zandvliet, Lillo, Deurne, Borgerhout, Merksem, Ekeren, Berchem, Wilrijk and Hoboken)

Berlaar (Berlaar en Gestel) – tree felling or felling permit

Logging permits

Bonheiden (Bonheiden and Rijmenam) – tree felling or felling permit

Boortmeerbeek (Boortmeerbeek, Hever-Schiplaken)

Urban planning certificate

Brasschaat

Brussels (Laeken, Neder-Over-Heembeek, Haren)

On the Brussels website itself you will not immediately find anything about the legislation on trees or permits regarding it sheets, pruning of planting trees. However, on the urban planning website of the Brussels Capital Region it does.

De Pinte (Zevergem)

Building permit

Duffel – permit to fell or fell a tree

Edegem

Ixelles

Etterbeek

Building permit

Grobbendonk (Grobbendonk and Bouwel)

Haacht (Haacht, Tildonk and Wespelaar)

Halle (Halle, Buizingen, Lembeek, Lubbeek)

Environmental permit for vegetation change

Heist-op-den-Berg (Heist-op-den-Berg, Heist-Goor, Zonderschot, Booischot, Pijpelheide, Hallaar, Itegem, Schriek, Grootlo, Wiekevorst)

Herentals (Morkhoven and Noorderwijk)

Environmental permit

Hove

Hulshout (Hulshout, Houtvenne and Westmeerbeek)

Permits/certificates

Kappelle-op-den-Bos (Kappelle-op-den-Bos, Nieuwenrode and Ramsdonk)

RO – Urban Planning – Environment

Keerbergen – permit for felling or felling a tree

Kraainem

Leuven

Lier (Lier and Koningshooikt)

Linkebeek

Mechelen (Mechelen, Heffen, Hombeek, Leest, Muizen and Walem)

Meise – permit to fell or fell a tree

Nijlen (Bevel and Kessel)

Oud-Heverlee

Putte (sub-municipalities of Putte, Beerzel, Grasheide and Peulis)

Rumst (Rumst, Reet, Terhagen)

Schilde ('s‑Gravenwezel)

Shots – permit for felling or felling a tree

Sint-Genesius-Rode

Building permit

Sint-Katelijne-Waver (sub-municipalities of Sint-Katelijne-Waver and Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Waver)

Sint-Martens-Latem (Deurle) – tree felling or felling permit

Nature permit

Sint-Pieters-Leeuw (Oudenaken, Sint-Laureins-Berchem, Ruisbroek and Vlezenbeek)

Sint-Pieters-Woluwe

La Hulpe (La Hulpe)

Tremelo (Baal and Ninde)

Uccle – tree felling or felling permit

Waterloo

Watermael-Boitsfort

Urban planning department

Westerlo (Westerlo, Oevel, Tongerlo, Zoerle-Parwijs, Heultje, Oosterwijk, Voortkapel)

Zemst (Zemst, Elewijt, Eppegem, Hofstade, Weerde)

Do you have any questions about permits for the felling trees of pruning trees,don't hesitate us Contact Form to fill in or contact us to call.