Can I fell a tree on my own plot in Finland?
It depends on where the plot is. In a detail-plan (zoned) area felling is permit-based by default: you need a landscape-work permit (maisematyölupa) or the municipality's approval. Most municipalities do, however, allow small-scale felling — typically up to 5 trees — without a permit, when the trees are not landscape-valuable and trees remain on the plot. That threshold is municipality-specific, so your own building-control guidance decides. Outside zoned areas you generally fell your own trees freely, and larger harvests fall under the Forest Act and its use notification. A tree posing immediate danger may always be removed — but photograph the danger first.
📋 The rules
- In zoned areas felling requires a landscape-work permit or municipal approval by default — check your building-control guidance.
- Many municipalities exempt small fellings (typically up to 5 trees) when the trees aren't landscape-valuable and the plot keeps some.
- Outside plans, on your own plot and forest, felling is freer — larger harvests fall under the Forest Act and use notifications.
- A tree posing immediate danger may be felled without a permit — document the danger with photos.
- Work falling toward the neighbour and shared boundary trees need the neighbour's consent; avoid bird nesting season.
🔓 Exceptions
- A yard plan approved with a building permit covers the fellings marked in it.
- Protected trees and habitats (e.g. plan-protected trees) can't be felled even with a permit without a separate exception.
- A boundary tree isn't yours alone — felling a tree on the property line needs the neighbour's consent, as does work where the tree falls onto their side.
⚠️ Penalties
Unpermitted felling in a zoned area typically brings an administrative consequence and an obligation to replant — the replanting can cost several times what the felling saved. Serious cases are investigated as building violations. Felling a neighbour's tree is criminal damage, and compensation follows the tree's value: a large yard tree can run to thousands of euros, because size, species and landscape significance all feed into that value. Felling a protected tree does not fit under a landscape-work permit at all without a separate exception.
📎 Sources
- Kuntaliitto · Landscape-work permits: when needed →
- Helsinki building control · Felling trees on plots →
- Metsään magazine · When a landscape permit is needed →
❓ Frequently asked questions
How many trees can I fell without a permit?
It is municipality-specific — a typical line is up to 5 ordinary trees, with trees remaining and none of landscape value. Check your municipality's building-control guidance first, because the conditions vary.
Can I remove a dangerous tree immediately?
Yes — removing an immediate danger needs no permit. Document the danger (rot, lean, storm damage) with photos before felling, because afterwards it is on you to show the danger was real.
What about summer-cottage plots?
A shore plan or master plan can require a landscape-work permit on a cottage plot too — the zoning decides, not whether the house is a permanent or holiday home. On unzoned land felling is freer.
Can I fell a tree on the boundary line?
A boundary tree is shared, so you need the neighbour's consent to fell it. Overhanging branches follow their own rule, and a right to the branches is not a right to the whole tree.
Can trees be felled in midsummer?
Felling isn't banned by season, but the bird nesting period in spring and early summer is worth avoiding. Whether you need a permit depends on the zoning, not on the month.
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