Can I cut down a tree in my own garden?
Not without a permit — even when the tree is yours and stands in your own garden. This surprises almost everyone: felling or even pruning a tree requires a permit from the municipality, whether the tree is on the street, in your garden, or was planted by you or your grandfather. The application must state the reason — age, disease, dying back, danger to people or property, or planned construction. The municipality carries out an inspection and, if the reason is sound, issues the permit. It has up to 2 months to decide, and the permit is then valid for up to 1 year. Applying is free, but the cost of the felling is yours. Careful: valuable species and trees over 20 years old are often registered and may not be felled at all.
📋 The rules
- A municipal permit is needed even for a tree in your own garden
- It applies to pruning too, not only to full felling
- Applying is free; the cost of the felling is yours
- Decision within 2 months; the permit is valid for 1 year
- Valuable species and trees over 20 years old may be registered
🔓 Exceptions
- Emergencies — a fallen or clearly dangerous tree can be removed at once, but the municipality must be notified
- Fruit trees on agricultural land have their own, lighter regime
- If the tree straddles the boundary, the cost is usually shared with the neighbour
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Illegal felling — or felling beyond what was permitted — is heavily sanctioned. In Sofia the fine for individuals runs from €500 to €2,556, and for sole traders and legal entities the penalty reaches €25,565. Amounts vary by municipality but are substantial everywhere. If the tree was registered as a valuable species or of historic significance, the penalty is heavier — and restoration is impossible, which is exactly why checking before you cut is not optional. Felling a tree on someone else's land or on municipal ground without permission also brings civil liability for the damage, on top of the fine.
📎 Official sources
- Bulgarian municipalities portal →
- lex.bg · Spatial Development Act →
- National Agricultural Advisory Service · Tree felling →
❓ Frequently asked
Do I need a permit for a tree in my own garden?
Yes. It surprises almost everyone, but municipal permission is required even where the tree stands on your own land and you planted it yourself. The rule covers pruning as well, not just full felling.
How long does the permit take?
The municipality has up to 2 months to decide. Once issued, the permit is valid for up to 1 year from its date, so you are not forced to fell immediately.
What is the fine for illegal felling?
In Sofia, from €500 to €2,556 for individuals, and up to €25,565 for sole traders and legal entities. Amounts differ by municipality, but they are serious everywhere.
What if the tree is dangerous?
In an emergency — a fallen or clearly hazardous tree — it can be removed at once, but the municipality must be notified. Do not rely on this route for a tree that is merely inconvenient.
What if the tree is on the boundary?
A permit is still required, and the cost of felling is usually shared between the two owners. Cutting a tree on someone else's land without consent also brings civil liability for the damage.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “tree felling permit bulgaria”
- “cut tree own garden permission”
- “fine illegal tree felling bulgaria”
- “pruning tree permit bulgaria”
- “dangerous tree municipality bulgaria”
- “registered protected tree bulgaria”