🌳 Can I cut down a tree in my own yard?

Quick answer

Usually no without approval: even for the tree in your yard you need the town hall's approval. Many owners are surprised to learn they can't cut a tree without the authorities' consent, even if it's on their own land. Cutting or pruning trees is subject to strict rules requiring an approval from the town hall, both for public and private property. The procedure is simple: you file a request with the town hall, with a photo or sketch of the land and the reason (dry, sick or dangerous tree); the town hall sends a team to check and, if the reasons are justified, issues the cutting approval. The rule exists to protect green space and the environment. One obvious exception: a tree posing an imminent danger (about to fall) must be urgently reported to the authorities.

📋 The rules

Approval from the town hall needed, even on private property
Applies to pruning too, not just cutting trees
Request + photo/sketch + reason (dry, sick, dangerous)
The town hall checks before issuing the approval
Tree with imminent danger: urgently report to authorities

🔓 Exceptions

Fruit trees in your own orchard: often a more permissive regime (check locally)
Imminent danger of collapse: emergency action with notifying the authorities
Different local rules: confirm the procedure with the town hall

⚠️ Penalties & fines

Unauthorised cutting of a tree is fined, for individuals, between 1,000 and 10,000 lei, the amount varying with the tree's size, the environmental impact and the lack of documents. For legal entities, fines are much higher. In addition, confiscation of the resulting timber is mandatory, and the authorities can require replanting of the affected trees. In serious cases (cutting vegetation on large green spaces), the law can even provide criminal liability. To stay compliant: file the request with the town hall, wait for the check and the approval, then cut or prune the tree as approved. If the tree is an imminent danger, notify the authorities at once.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-06-20

❓ Frequently asked

Can I cut down a tree in my yard without approval?

Usually no. Even if the tree is on your property, cutting or pruning it is subject to strict rules requiring an approval from the town hall. Many owners are surprised by this requirement, but the rule exists to protect green spaces and the environment in general.

How do I get the cutting approval?

You file a request with the town hall, with a photo or sketch of the land where the tree stands and the reason for cutting (dry, sick, dangerous tree). The town hall sends a team to check and, if the reasons are justified, issues the cutting approval. Only then can you lawfully cut the tree.

What fine do I risk for unauthorised cutting?

For individuals, cutting a tree without approval is fined between 1,000 and 10,000 lei, depending on the tree's size and the environmental impact. In addition, the resulting timber is confiscated, and the authorities can require replanting of the affected trees at your expense.

Can I cut a tree that's about to fall?

If there's an imminent danger of collapse, you must urgently notify the authorities, who can order the intervention. Don't ignore the situation and don't just solve it on your own without reporting: document the danger (photo) and request the town hall's support for a fast and lawful intervention.

Does it also apply to fruit trees in the yard?

For fruit trees in your own orchard, the regime can be more permissive than for ornamental trees or those in green spaces, but rules differ from one locality to another. To avoid a fine, it's safest to ask the town hall what procedure applies in your specific case.

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