Can I cut down a tree on my property in Ireland?
Often you need a felling licence — "it's my land" isn't enough on its own. Under the Forestry Act 2014, a tree felling licence from the Department of Agriculture (Forest Service) is generally required to fell any tree, subject to specific exemptions. Trees in an urban area (a city or town as defined before 2014) are exempt unless a Tree Preservation Order applies. Trees within 30 metres of a building (other than one built after the trees were planted) are exempt, as are trees under 5 years old that grew through natural regeneration and are removed in normal field maintenance. Exemptions don't apply where a tree is over 150 years old, or near a protected structure, monument, archaeological site or sensitive area. Separately, cutting hedges is prohibited from 1 March to 31 August (nesting season). In short: conditional — check the exemptions and any TPO.
📋 The rules
- A felling licence is generally required for any tree
- Urban-area trees are exempt (unless a TPO applies)
- Trees within 30m of a building are exempt
- Very young, naturally regenerated trees are exempt
- Cutting hedges banned 1 Mar–31 Aug (nesting season)
🔓 Exceptions
- A Tree Preservation Order overrides even an urban exemption
- Trees over 150 years old or near monuments aren't exempt
- A licence may carry replanting conditions
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Felling a tree without a required licence is a criminal offence: a felling breach can lead to prosecution and substantial fines under the Forestry Act 2014, plus possible mandatory replanting orders. Even where the Forest Service issues a licence, a Tree Preservation Order means you still need the local authority's separate consent. Cutting hedgerows between 1 March and 31 August is generally prohibited under the Wildlife Acts to protect nesting birds. Beware a myth: "it's my land, so I can cut down any tree I like" is false — outside the specific exemptions (urban trees, within 30m of a building, very young naturally regenerated trees) you generally need a felling licence, and a TPO can override even an urban exemption. To fell safely: check the exemptions, confirm there's no TPO with the council, and apply for a felling licence if needed.
📎 Official sources
- gov.ie — apply for a tree felling licence →
- Forestry Act 2014, s.19 →
- gov.ie — tree felling licences →
❓ Frequently asked
Do I need a licence to cut down a tree on my own land?
Often, yes. Under the Forestry Act 2014, you generally need a tree felling licence to fell any tree, even on your own property, unless a specific exemption applies. Key exemptions include trees in urban areas and trees within 30 metres of a building, but these don't apply if a Tree Preservation Order is in place.
Which trees are exempt from a felling licence?
Exemptions include trees in an urban area as defined before 2014, trees within 30 metres of a building other than one built after the trees were planted, and trees under five years old that grew through natural regeneration and are removed in normal field maintenance. Exemptions don't apply to very old trees or those near protected sites.
What is a Tree Preservation Order?
A Tree Preservation Order, or TPO, is made by a local authority to protect a particular tree or group of trees. Where one is in place, you can't fell the tree without the council's separate consent, even if the Forest Service would otherwise grant a felling licence or the tree would be exempt as an urban tree.
Can I cut my hedge any time of year?
No. Cutting hedges is generally prohibited between 1 March and 31 August under the Wildlife Acts, to protect nesting birds. This restriction applies regardless of whether the hedge is on your own land. There are limited exceptions, for example for road safety, but routine hedge-cutting should be done outside the nesting season.
What's the penalty for felling without a licence?
Felling a tree without a required licence is a criminal offence under the Forestry Act 2014. It can lead to prosecution and substantial fines, and you may be ordered to replant replacement trees. Unauthorised felling can also cause problems later, so it's worth confirming the position before cutting any significant tree.
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