Can I fell a tree on my property in Switzerland?
Often only with a permit — governed by communal tree-protection law. At federal level there's no permit system for garden trees; the Forest Act only protects forest (clearing needs a clearance permit). Garden and property trees fall under cantonal and communal tree-protection law — check the local tree-protection ordinance. City of Zürich example (illustrative): a felling permit is needed once a tree reaches a threshold — for a single stem from 100 cm trunk circumference (measured at 1 m height), and from 80 cm in tree-protection zones. It's granted only on defined grounds (age, safety hazard, significant use restriction), usually with replacement planting. In short: yes, but depending on size and commune only with a permit.
📋 The rules
- Garden/private trees: communal tree-protection law
- Forest: clearance permit (federal law)
- Zürich: felling permit from 100 cm trunk circumference
- Tree-protection zones: lower threshold 80 cm
- Usually replacement planting as a condition
🔓 Exceptions
- Multi-stem trees: their own thresholds (e.g. one stem >80 cm)
- Inventoried/protected trees: protected regardless of size
- Grounds: age, safety, significant use restriction, stand care
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Felling a protected tree without a permit is a contravention. In the City of Zürich, an intentional breach of tree protection under § 340 PBG can be fined up to CHF 50,000, usually plus replacement planting. Beware a myth: "on my own property I can fell any tree" is not true everywhere — above a certain size or in protection zones you need a permit. Tip: measure the trunk circumference at 1 m height and check with the commune before felling whether a permit is required.
📎 Official sources
- City of Zürich · tree protection →
- Canton of Zürich · Planning and Building Act (PBG) →
- ch.ch · forest & trees →
❓ Frequently asked
Do I need a permit to fell a tree?
It depends on the commune and the size of the tree. Garden and property trees are governed by communal tree-protection law. In the City of Zürich you need a felling permit once a single stem reaches a trunk circumference of 100 centimetres, and from 80 centimetres in tree-protection zones.
How is the threshold measured?
In the City of Zürich the trunk circumference is measured at a height of one metre. For multi-stem trees, separate thresholds apply, for example if one stem exceeds 80 centimetres or the two thickest stems together exceed 120 centimetres. Inventoried trees are protected regardless of size.
On what grounds is felling permitted?
A felling permit is granted only on defined grounds, such as the tree's age, a safety hazard, a significant restriction of the property's use, or care of the tree stand. As a rule, replacement planting is required, so that the overall tree stock is maintained in the area.
What happens without a permit?
Felling a protected tree without a permit is a contravention. In the City of Zürich, the Planning and Building Act provides for a fine of up to CHF 50,000 for an intentional breach, plus replacement planting. So clarify before felling whether a permit is required to avoid this.
Does this apply the same across Switzerland?
No. Tree-protection law varies widely by canton and commune. The City of Zürich example with the 100-centimetre trunk-circumference threshold is illustrative. Other communes have their own thresholds or no tree-protection law at all. So always check the rules of your specific commune.
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