Can I cut down a tree on my own plot?
It depends on the trunk thickness and the purpose of felling. On a private plot, when you remove a tree for purposes unconnected with business, a notification of intent to the municipality usually suffices, rather than a full permit. Trees with a thin trunk can be cut without formalities — where the trunk circumference measured at 5 cm height doesn't exceed: 80 cm (poplar, willow, ashleaf and silver maple), 65 cm (horse chestnut, black locust, plane) or 50 cm for other species. You can also remove most fruit trees (outside heritage-register sites) and shrubs in a cluster up to 25 m² without formalities. After notification the office has 21 days for an inspection and 14 days to object; cut the tree within 6 months of the inspection. From 1 January 2026 you handle the matter via e-Delivery.
📋 The rules
- Private person, non-business purpose: usually a notification, not a permit
- No formalities where trunk circ. (at 5 cm) ≤ 80/65/50 cm by species
- Fruit trees and shrubs up to 25 m²: usually no formalities
- After notice: office has 21 days to inspect, 14 days to object
- Cut within 6 months of the inspection
🔓 Exceptions
- Plot in the heritage register: conservator's permit required
- Felling linked to business/investment: full permit and fees
- Trees in a road verge, in protected areas: extra requirements
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Unauthorised felling — without the required notification or despite the municipality's objection — risks an administrative fine of twice the fee that would have been charged for lawful removal; for large trees that's thousands of zł. Removing a protected tree or one in a protected area without consent is also penalised. To fell a tree lawfully: measure the trunk circumference at 5 cm height, check the species and the plot's status, file a notification if needed (from 2026 via e-Delivery), wait for the inspection and no objection, and only then remove the tree — within 6 months. If in doubt, ask the municipality.
📎 Official sources
- ISAP · Nature Conservation Act (art. 83f) →
- Gov.pl · Notify intent to fell trees or get a permit →
- Biznes.gov.pl · Permit to remove a tree →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I cut a tree on my plot without a permit?
Often yes. If you're a private person removing a tree for non-business purposes, a notification of intent to the municipality usually suffices. Thinner trees (below the trunk-circumference thresholds) and most fruit trees can be removed with no formalities at all.
What trunk circumference lets me fell a tree without formalities?
Measuring at 5 cm height: up to 80 cm for poplar, willow, ashleaf and silver maple, up to 65 cm for horse chestnut, black locust and plane, and up to 50 cm for other species. Below these values, felling needs neither notification nor permit.
How does notification differ from a permit?
A notification of intent to remove a tree is usually filed by a private person removing a tree for private purposes. A permit is required more often where felling is linked to business or investment, or concerns a special-status site, e.g. one in the heritage register.
How long does the notification procedure take?
After notification the municipality has 21 days to inspect the tree and 14 days to raise any objection. If there's no objection, you can fell the tree — but within 6 months of the inspection; after that the notification lapses and must be repeated.
What's the penalty for unauthorised felling?
An administrative fine of twice the fee that would have been charged for lawful removal. For large trees that can run into thousands of zł. Felling protected trees or trees in protected areas without consent is also penalised.
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