Felling Licence exemptions can be grouped in the following way:
- Location
- Type of tree work
- Volume and diameter
- Other permissions
- Legal and statutory requirements
Use the information below to check whether a licence is required. Please contact Forestry Commission England before felling to check that a licence is not necessary. Use the Contact Us button on the top banner to find out the address of the nearest Forestry Commission office or to send us an e-mail.
| Exemptions |
| Location |
You do not need a licence to fell trees in:
- a garden
- an orchard
- a churchyard
- a designated open space (Commons Act 1899)
|
| Type of Tree Work |
You do not need a licence to carry out:
- lopping
- topping
- pruning
- pollarding
|
| Volume and Diameter |
You do not need a licence:
- to fell less than 5 cubic metres in a calendar quarter (Please note that you cannot sell more than 2 cubic metres in a calendar quarter)
- for trees that have the following diameters when measured 1.3 metres from the ground
- 8 cm or less
- 10 cm or less for thinnings
- 15cm or less for cutting coppice
|
| Other Permissions |
You do not need a licence if you have a current permission under:
- an approved Dedication Scheme plan
- planning permission (granted under the Town and Country Planning Act)
|
| Legal and Statutory Requirements |
You do not need a licence:
- for trees that are dangerous or cause a nuisance
See page 3, paragraph 6 of Tree Felling - Getting Permission (PDF 1748kb)
- to prevent the spread of a quarantine pest or disease in accordance with a notice served by a Forestry Commission Plant Health Officer
- to comply with an Act of Parliament
- to undertake your duties as a statutory service provider (gas, water, electricity)
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