Can I fell a tree in my garden?
You often need a permit — but in your own garden, Flanders has an important exemption close to the house. In Flanders a planning permit is needed to fell a tall-stem tree, meaning one with a trunk circumference of at least 1 metre measured at 1 m height. But no permit is needed if the tree meets all the conditions: it stands within 15 metres of a permitted house or building, in a residential, agricultural or industrial zone, is not part of a wood, and is not on public land. Note: since 1 March 2026 municipalities may only impose a felling permit within a limited (limitative-list) framework, so always check the municipal rules. In Wallonia a permit is mainly needed for a remarkable tree or a tree in a green-space zone; an ordinary garden tree in a residential zone often escapes a regional permit, but the municipality can require one. In Brussels a tall-stem tree (circumference ≥ 40 cm at 1.5 m and ≥ 4 m tall) always needs a permit, with compulsory replanting.
📋 The rules
- Flanders: permit to fell a tall-stem tree (trunk circumference ≥ 1 m at 1 m height) outside a wood
- Exempt in Flanders if the tree is within 15 m of a permitted house, in a residential/agricultural/industrial zone, not in a wood, not on public land
- Since 1 March 2026: municipalities may only impose a permit within a limited (limitative-list) framework — check your municipality
- Wallonia: permit mainly for a remarkable tree or a tree in a green-space zone; garden trees in a residential zone often free, but the municipality can require one
- Brussels: a tall-stem tree (≥ 40 cm at 1.5 m and ≥ 4 m) always needs a permit, with compulsory replanting
- A tree in a wood falls under the Forest Decree (felling authorisation), separately from the above
🔓 Exceptions
- Imminent danger: felling is possible without a permit, but usually only with the mayor's prior consent (in Brussels, only a provably dead tree)
- Pruning without felling is generally not permit-liable; in Brussels a drastic prune is
- Protected trees, nature areas, heritage, or a tree clause in a subdivision permit: stricter or separate rules
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Felling a tree unlawfully is a planning offence. In Flanders: fines, prosecution and a restoration measure — usually compulsory replanting with native species in the next planting season, which costs you more than the permit ever would have. In Wallonia and Brussels you also risk fines and compulsory replanting; for a protected or remarkable tree the penalties rise sharply. Brussels adds a closed felling season (1 April to 15 August). The classic error: assuming that no regional permit means no permit at all — your municipality can still require one.
📎 Official sources
- Departement Omgeving Flanders · felling permit (limitative list 2026) →
- SPW Territoire · CoDT annexe R.IV.1-1 (felling, rubric N) →
- Commune of Ixelles · felling of tall-stem trees →
❓ Frequently asked
When is a tree 'tall-stem'?
In Flanders, once the trunk circumference reaches 1 metre, measured 1 metre above the ground; thinner trees are in principle free, unless the municipal rules say otherwise. In Brussels the threshold is 40 cm circumference at 1.5 m (and at least 4 m tall).
Can I just fell a tree right by my house?
In Flanders usually yes: if it stands within 15 metres of your permitted house, in a residential zone, not in a wood and not on public land, no planning permit is needed. But since 2026 your municipality may still require one within a limited framework — check first.
What if the tree is dangerous or dead?
For imminent danger you may fell, but ask the mayor's consent first so you are covered. In Brussels only a provably dead tree may be felled without a permit, and a photo taken beforehand is your proof.
Do I have to replace a felled tree?
Often yes. Municipalities and regions usually tie a replanting duty to a felling permit; in Brussels replanting is standard, and in Flanders the restoration measure imposes native species. In Wallonia too, replanting is often imposed.
Does this also apply to a tree in a wood?
No, separate rules apply there: a tree in a wood falls under the forestry rules, with its own felling authorisation. The 15-metre exemption around the house is of no help to you in a wood.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “fell tree garden permit belgium”
- “tall stem tree circumference 1 metre”
- “fell tree 15 metres house”
- “felling permit municipality”
- “fell tree wallonia fine”
- “fell tree brussels permit replanting”