CERTIFIED CLIMATE TREE CUTTERS
Trees felling permit
Are you considering having one or more trees cut down? Our expert specialists are certified and have extensive experience in safe tree felling.
Gert-Jan of Tree Care Specialist offers a free, no-obligation tree inspection. Together with you, he assesses the situation and provides tailored advice.
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What is a logging permit?
A felling permit is the official permission from the municipality to cut down or fell a tree. Actually, this falls under the Omgevingsvergunning (for the activity ‘felling of woody stands’), but in popular speech we still call it a felling permit. Municipalities impose this obligation to protect valuable trees. Just removing a tree without a permit is not allowed, so that not just anyone randomly chops down healthy trees. With a felling permit, the municipality ensures some form of control and preservation of the greenery in the living environment.
If you have received a felling permit, it means that the municipality agrees to remove the tree in question under certain conditions. For example, sometimes you have to replant a new tree as compensation. If you do not have a permit when you should have, you are in violation. You risk a fine and in some cases the municipality requires you to plant a new tree as a replacement. Applying for a cutting permit may sound like a hassle, but it is an important step if you want to legally get rid of your tree.
When do you need a logging permit?
It is important to know when you need a felling permit. This depends on the type of tree, the size of the trunk and the location of the tree. In most municipalities (including The Hague region), a permit requirement applies in the following cases:
- Size of tree: If the tree has a trunk circumference or diameter above a certain limit, then a permit is required. Often that limit is around 30 cm diameter (measured at 1.3 meters in height) – trees thicker than this are not allowed to be cut down.
- Protected tree: If the tree is designated as a monumental tree or is on a special protected tree list of the municipality, you always need a permit, regardless of its thickness.
- Location: If the tree is in a protected town or village conservation area, stricter rules apply. Even on public land (municipal land) you are not allowed to cut down; the municipality then has control.
- Special species or situations: Sometimes municipalities have additional rules, such as for cutting down multiple trees at once or for specific tree species that are ecologically important.
These are general guidelines. The exact criteria vary by municipality. For example, the municipality of The Hague imposes a permit requirement for virtually all trees with a trunk diameter larger than ~30 cm at breast height, but smaller trees may also require a permit if they are on the monumental list. In surrounding municipalities, such as Westland (which includes Monster), similar rules apply: generally a felling permit is required for larger or valuable trees.
Make an Appointment
Need professional help cutting down trees or applying for a cutting permit? Call us at 070 – 20 42 085 or fill out the online form for an appointment.
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Methodology
This is how we work at Tree Care Specialist
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Place an inquiry by filling out the contact form or call us(070 – 20 42 085)
Free tree inspection
Tree care is specialized work. We contact you for a free tree inspection at your home
Personal advice
After the inspection, we will give you a recommendation and, if desired, a customized quote
Implementation
Upon agreement, we plan the work and assist with any permit application
Recent work
Projects
Check out projects we’ve been working on recently below
Kijkduin
In beautiful Kijkduin, we trimmed a tree. We also removed trash to preserve the beauty of the area.
The Hague
By pruning and maintaining trees in The Hague, we contribute to a healthy and safe city.
The Hague
Tree Care Specialist handled the removal of a Kronkel willow in a Hague courtyard, taking care of chipping and disposal of all green waste.
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The specialists
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Daniel
European Tree Worker (ETW).
Gert-Jan
Specialist
Others tell
Customers speak out
Helena
From The Hague
Had twisted willow removed from garden. Super well and professionally done by men of Tree Care Specialist. Entire pile of branches and stumps were neatly and tidily removed and everything was left swept clean. In short: very satisfied. Highly recommended!
Henri
From Waddinxveen
After requesting a quote, I got in touch with tree care specialist. They helped me fantastically with the removal of a tree.
Odette
From Scheveningen
I recently called in tree care specialist to have a tree cut down from my mother’s garden, and I am really impressed with the service. From the moment we contacted them, the whole process was super smooth. They responded quickly, gave us a clear quote, and were able to come by on short notice.
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Applying for a logging permit: how does it work?
If you have determined that you need a permit, the next step is to apply for a felling permit. You do this with the municipality in which the tree is located. In many cases this is done through the Omgevingsloket (a national online portal) or simply through a digital form on the website of the municipality. For The Hague, for example, you can submit an online application under the category omgevingsvergunning for felling a tree.
When applying, you usually need to provide the following information: the location and number of the trees, the type of tree (e.g. oak, pine, beech), the trunk diameter, and the reason why you want to cut down the tree. A clear motivation helps; common reasons include disease/hazard (the tree is sick, dead or poses a risk) or necessary maintenance (e.g., building plans or nuisance). Sometimes the municipality will ask you to send photos of the tree for review. After you submit everything, the municipality will process the application.
The procedure usually takes several weeks. Legally, a municipality must decide on a standard logging permit application within 8 weeks, although this can be extended during busy periods. In The Hague, a decision is usually made within 6-8 weeks. Keep in mind that you are not allowed to cut during this period. Only when the permit is granted (and irrevocable, i.e. the objection period is over) can the tree be cut down. So plan the felling of the tree in good time, especially if you want to do garden chores in a certain month, for example.
Cost of a logging permit
Applying for a cutting permit is not free in many municipalities. Municipalities charge so-called fees for processing your application. What does a logging permit cost? This varies from place to place. Some municipalities charge nothing or a token amount, but in most cities you pay a few tens in fees. In The Hague, for example, the legal fees depend on the number of trees you want to cut down: for one tree you pay a basic fee (often a few tens), and for several trees it increases. This is so arranged to encourage people to cut down fewer trees – cut down more = pay more. On average, the cost nationwide is around several tens of euros per tree.
It is good to know that these costs are separate from the implementation costs of the felling itself. You pay the fees to the municipality for the permit. Should you not get the permit, you usually do not get this money back because it was used for the application process. So budget for both the cost of the felling permit and the cost of actually having the tree cut down. Check with your municipality (or check their website) for current fees.
Frequently Asked Questions about Felling Permits
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about applying for a logging permit. Maybe your question is among them.
You need a felling permit if you want to cut down a tree that falls under the permit rules of your municipality. Usually, medium to large trees (from a certain trunk diameter, often around 20-30 cm) require a permit. Protected or monumental trees also always require a permit. In doubt? Check with the municipality or have a tree expert take a look. The last thing you want is to discover afterwards that you have felled without a permit.
You request a felling permit from the municipality where the tree is located. This can often be done online via the municipal website or the Omgevingsloket. You fill out a form with details about the tree (location, species, size) and the reason for felling. If possible, include photos. Once submitted, the municipality will process your application, which may take several weeks. If everything is approved, you will receive the permit and you can (have) the tree cut down. Tree Care Specialist can help you fill out the application if you can’t figure it out.
The cost of a felling permit (fees) varies by municipality. On average, you pay a few tens of dollars to the municipality for one tree. In some municipalities it is free, while others – especially large cities – charge a fee that increases if you want to cut down several trees. In The Hague, for example, you pay fees per tree to be cut down, with a higher total amount for multiple trees. These fees are only for the permit and are separate from the cost of the felling itself. Check with your municipality what the fee rates are, so there are no surprises.
Cutting down a tree without a valid cutting permit is illegal (if the tree was required to have a permit). If you do this and the municipality finds out, you can be fined heavily. These fines can run into the hundreds to thousands of euros, depending on the severity. In addition, the municipality can demand that you plant a new tree as compensation. Cutting or removing trees without permission affects the municipal green policy, which is why it is strictly enforced – especially in tree-rich neighborhoods of The Hague. It is not worth the risk, so always neatly apply for a permit if necessary.
Typically, the procedure for a felling permit takes from a few weeks to a few months. Legally, the municipality must decide on a standard application within 8 weeks, but this can be extended by another 6 weeks in exceptional cases. In practice, you will often have an answer within 6-8 weeks. Keep in mind that after a permit is granted, there is often a 6-week objection period, during which local residents can make objections. Only then is the permit final. So start the application well in advance. In The Hague we find that applications are usually completed smoothly within two months, but it is better to start too early than too late so that you can cut down when you want.