Can you fell trees on your own land without a forest notification?
You cannot — not even in your own forest. A forest notification is a document laid down in the Forest Act, which the forest owner must file with the Environmental Board in order to carry out felling. It must be filed at least two weeks before work begins, and forest damage must be reported immediately once the owner learned or should have learned of it. The Environmental Board checks whether the planned felling complies with the law and may refuse to register it, giving written reasons. Felling rights may be exercised only to the extent and in the manner set out in the notification — otherwise it becomes illegal felling. Failing to file carries a fine of up to 100 fine units.
📋 The rules
- A forest notification is mandatory
- File 2 weeks before work
- The Board may refuse registration
- Fell only as notified
- Fine up to 100 fine units
🔓 Exceptions
- Forest damage must be reported immediately, not two weeks in advance
- Breaching the requirements during felling makes it illegal felling
- On refusal the Board gives recommendations for bringing the plan into compliance
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The costliest mistake is assuming your land means your rules. A forest is property, but felling is regulated — and felling without a notification is illegal felling, regardless of whose name is on the title. The fine for failing to file runs to 100 fine units, but the consequences of illegal felling are larger: compensation for environmental damage is added, and it can be several times the fine. The second trap is scope: felling rights may be exercised only to the extent and in the manner notified — cut more, or differently, and even a registered felling becomes illegal. And third: if you sell the felling right, the owner still answers for their own land.
📎 Official sources
- Environmental Board · Forest notification →
- Riigi Teataja · Forest Act →
- Private Forest Centre · FAQ →
❓ Frequently asked
Is a forest notification mandatory?
It is. A forest owner must file a forest notification with the Environmental Board in order to carry out felling. This applies even where the forest is entirely your own property.
How far in advance must it be filed?
At least two weeks before work begins. Forest damage, by contrast, must be reported immediately once the owner learned or should have learned of it.
Can the Board refuse?
It can. Where the planned felling does not comply with the law, the Environmental Board may refuse registration, giving written reasons and recommendations for compliance.
What if I fell more than allowed?
Felling rights may be exercised only to the extent and in the manner set out in the notification. Breaching the requirements turns even a registered felling into illegal felling.
How large is the fine?
Failing to file a forest notification carries a fine of up to 100 fine units. For illegal felling, compensation for environmental damage is added and far exceeds the fine.
🔎 Common searches
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