🌳 Am I allowed to fell trees on my own plot in Norway?

With conditions

Quick answer

Usually yes — on your own plot you can normally fell your own trees. The main restriction is the Neighbour Act §3: a tree that damages or seriously bothers the neighbour may not stand closer to the neighbour's house, garden or yard than one third of the tree's height — unless the tree is of significant importance to you or to biodiversity. Branches and roots from the neighbour's tree hanging over your plot you may cut yourself after notice (§12). Trees on shared areas in a condominium are decided by the board, not by you alone. Protected or conservation-worthy trees, and trees in the Marka forest belt, can have their own protection.

📋 The rules

You can normally fell your own trees on your own plot
Neighbour Act §3: a tree closer to the neighbour's house than 1/3 of its height can be required removed
Exception if the tree is important to you or to biodiversity
Branches over your boundary you may cut after notice (§12)
Trees on shared areas in a condominium are decided by the board

🔓 Exceptions

A tree of significant importance to you or to biodiversity may remain
Protected or conservation-worthy trees may not be felled
Trees in the Marka belt are protected by the Marka Act

⚠️ Penalties & fines

If you illegally fell the neighbour's tree, you may have to pay compensation, often far above the tree's firewood value, based on replacement. Felling protected trees can bring a fine.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-06-20

❓ Frequently asked

Can I fell trees on my own plot?

Usually yes. You can normally fell your own trees, but the Neighbour Act, protection and condominium rules can limit it.

Can my neighbour demand I fell a tree?

Yes, if the tree stands closer to the neighbour's house than a third of its height and damages or seriously bothers them.

Can I cut branches from the neighbour's tree?

Yes, branches and roots hanging over your plot you may cut yourself after giving the neighbour notice.

What about trees on shared areas in a condominium?

They are decided by the board or annual meeting, not by the individual unit owner.

What happens if I fell the neighbour's tree?

You may have to pay compensation based on replacement, often far more than the tree's firewood value.

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