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In England, Wales, and Scotland, you can remove trees without a felling licence if they have a trunk diameter of less than 8cm, measured at 1.3 metres from the ground, though this threshold changes depending on the method of removal and whether a Tree Preservation Order or planning condition applies. Understanding exactly where the rules apply to your situation can save you from significant fines and legal complications.
What Trees Can Be Removed Without Permission in the UK?
Not every tree in your garden is protected, and knowing which ones fall outside the licensing framework is the first step before any felling work begins. The Forestry Act 1967 established the felling licence system in Great Britain, and it sets out clear size thresholds that determine when permission is required. Trees with a trunk diameter under 8cm at 1.3 metres above ground level generally sit outside the scope of the licensing requirement, giving homeowners reasonable freedom to manage smaller growth on their land.
Coppiced trees are also treated differently, with the threshold raised to 10cm diameter for those being managed through coppicing, and 15cm where the felling is carried out specifically to improve the growth of other trees. It is worth noting, however, that these size exemptions do not override a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or a planning condition placed on the land. If your property sits within a conservation area, any tree with a trunk diameter above 75mm at 1.5 metres from the ground is subject to a separate notification requirement, meaning you must inform your local planning authority at least six weeks before carrying out any work.
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What Are the Exemptions from Needing a Felling Licence?
Beyond the size thresholds, the legislation sets out a number of specific circumstances in which felling can take place without a licence regardless of the tree’s dimensions. Trees that are dead, dying, or dangerous can be removed without a felling licence, provided the landowner can demonstrate the condition of the tree if challenged. Similarly, fruit trees in private orchards and gardens are exempt, as are trees being felled as part of a planning permission that has been granted for development of the land.
Certain statutory undertakers, such as those maintaining electricity lines or railways, also benefit from exemptions when trees pose a risk to their infrastructure. It is important to understand that these exemptions apply to the felling licence requirement only, they do not automatically remove the obligation to comply with a TPO or conservation area rules. If you are unsure whether an exemption applies to your situation, the Forestry Commission provides guidance and the relevant application forms through the GOV.UK felling licences page.
Table 1: Tree Felling Licence Thresholds at a Glance
| Scenario | Trunk Diameter Threshold | Licence Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Standard felling | Under 8cm at 1.3m | No |
| Coppicing | Under 10cm at 1.3m | No |
| Thinning to aid growth | Under 15cm at 1.3m | No |
| Conservation area tree | Over 75mm at 1.5m | Notification required |
| Tree with TPO | Any size | Yes (or consent) |
| Dead, dying, or dangerous tree | Any size | No (evidence advised) |
| Fruit tree in private garden | Any size | No |
Can I Remove a Large Tree from My Garden?
Removing a large tree from a private garden is one of the most common questions homeowners ask, and the answer depends on several overlapping factors rather than a single rule. If no TPO is in place and the property is not within a conservation area, a large tree can technically be felled without a licence for the purposes of private garden management, though this is a nuanced area. The Forestry Commission has the authority to issue enforcement notices and require replacement planting if unlicensed felling is deemed to have taken place outside of a recognised exemption.
Where a TPO does apply, you must apply to your local planning authority for consent before carrying out any work, including pruning, not just full removal. Councils can and do refuse consent where the tree contributes significantly to the local amenity, and carrying out work without consent can result in an unlimited fine under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. If you believe a TPO has been placed on a tree in your garden, you can check with your local council, as all TPOs must be registered and are generally searchable through the local planning authority’s online portal or on request.
Table 2: TPO and Conservation Area Rules Compared
| Rule Type | Who Applies It | What You Must Do | Penalty for Breach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tree Preservation Order (TPO) | Local Planning Authority | Apply for consent before any work | Unlimited fine |
| Conservation Area Notification | Local Planning Authority | Notify LPA 6 weeks in advance | Fine up to £2,500 |
| Felling Licence (Forestry Commission) | Forestry Commission | Apply before felling above thresholds | Fine up to £2,500 or twice timber value |
| Planning Condition | Local Planning Authority | Check planning permission conditions | Enforcement notice |
How Much Does a Tree Felling Licence Cost in the UK?
One of the more reassuring aspects of the felling licence system is that the licence itself is free to obtain from the Forestry Commission. There is no application fee, and in many cases the Commission will process straightforward applications within a reasonable timeframe, though more complex cases involving environmental assessments or restocking conditions can take longer. You can apply online or by post, and the Forestry Commission may attach conditions to the licence requiring you to replant trees on the same land after felling.
The real costs associated with tree felling are the practical ones: hiring a qualified arborist, obtaining specialist equipment, and managing any ground restoration work afterwards. Professional tree surgeons in the UK typically charge between £300 and £1,500 or more to fell a large tree, depending on its size, location, and the complexity of the job. Where trees are located close to buildings, power lines, or other structures, the cost can increase substantially, and it is always advisable to obtain at least three written quotations before commissioning any significant felling work.
For guidance on restocking requirements and conditions that the Forestry Commission may attach to a licence, you can also refer to the Planning Portal tree works guidance, which explains how felling intersects with planning regulations across England and Wales.
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How Many Trees Can You Remove Without a Felling Licence: What You Need to Know
The rules around tree felling in the UK are more layered than many homeowners expect, and the felling licence threshold is only one part of the picture. Size, species, location, and any existing legal orders on the tree all play a role in determining what you can and cannot do without formal permission. Getting this wrong is not simply a matter of receiving a warning; the penalties for unlicensed felling or breaching a TPO can be financially severe and may even require you to fund replacement planting at your own expense.
Working with a qualified arborist who understands the regulatory framework is the most straightforward way to avoid falling foul of these rules. A reputable tree surgeon will check for TPOs, conservation area designations, and planning conditions before starting work, and can advise on whether a felling licence application is needed. The Forestry Commission and your local planning authority are also accessible sources of guidance, and most councils can confirm within a short time whether a tree on your land carries any protected status.
Ultimately, the question of how many trees you can remove without a felling licence comes down to the specifics of each tree and the land it stands on. Small trees below the diameter thresholds, fruit trees in private gardens, and genuinely dead or dangerous specimens can generally be removed without a licence, but none of these exemptions protect against a TPO. Taking the time to verify the status of any tree before work begins is always the right approach, and it is one that protects both your property and the wider environment.
How Many Trees Can You Remove Without a Felling Licence: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the trunk diameter threshold for felling a tree without a licence?
In Great Britain, trees with a trunk diameter of less than 8cm at 1.3 metres above ground level can generally be felled without a felling licence. This threshold increases to 10cm for coppiced trees and 15cm where felling is carried out to improve the growth of other trees.
Does a Tree Preservation Order override the felling licence exemptions?
Yes, a TPO overrides the standard felling licence thresholds entirely, meaning you must seek consent from your local planning authority regardless of the tree’s size. Carrying out any work on a TPO tree without consent can result in an unlimited fine.
Can I remove a dead tree without a felling licence?
Dead, dying, or dangerous trees are generally exempt from the felling licence requirement, but it is advisable to retain photographic or written evidence of the tree’s condition before removal. This exemption does not apply if the tree is protected by a TPO, in which case you should still notify your local planning authority.
Do I need permission to remove a tree in a conservation area?
If you live in a conservation area in England, you must notify your local planning authority at least six weeks before carrying out any work on a tree with a trunk diameter above 75mm at 1.5 metres from the ground. The council can then decide whether to make the tree subject to a TPO within that six-week window.
Is a felling licence required for fruit trees in a private garden?
Fruit trees in private gardens are exempt from the felling licence requirement under the Forestry Act 1967, regardless of their size. This exemption applies only where the tree is genuinely cultivated for fruit production and sits within a private garden, not commercial or communal land.
How long does it take to get a felling licence?
Straightforward felling licence applications are typically processed by the Forestry Commission within a few weeks, though applications requiring additional environmental assessment may take considerably longer. Applying well in advance of any planned felling work is always recommended to avoid unnecessary delays.
What is a felling licence and where did it come from?
A felling licence is a legal permission granted by the Forestry Commission that authorises the removal of trees above specified size thresholds in Great Britain. You can read more about the background and scope of tree felling regulation on the Wikipedia page for the Forestry Act 1967, which provides useful context on the legislation that underpins the current system.
How much does it cost to apply for a felling licence?
Applying for a felling licence through the Forestry Commission is completely free of charge, with no application fee for private landowners or contractors. The practical costs of tree felling, including hiring a qualified arborist and managing any restocking requirements, are separate from the licence process itself.
Can my council refuse consent to remove a TPO tree?
Yes, local planning authorities can refuse consent to remove or carry out work on a tree protected by a TPO, particularly where the tree makes a significant contribution to the local landscape or amenity. If consent is refused, you have the right to appeal the decision, and your council must provide written reasons for any refusal.
What happens if I remove a tree without a felling licence when one was required?
Removing a tree without a felling licence where one was required is an offence under the Forestry Act 1967, and the maximum penalty is a fine of up to £2,500 or twice the value of the timber, whichever is greater. The Forestry Commission can also issue an enforcement notice requiring you to replant trees on the same land.
Are there any trees that are always exempt from felling licences?
Certain categories of trees are always exempt, including those being felled under a planning permission for development, those maintained by statutory undertakers for infrastructure safety, and fruit trees in private gardens. In all cases, however, TPOs and conservation area obligations remain in force and must be checked separately.
Do felling rules apply differently in Scotland, Wales, and England?
The felling licence framework under the Forestry Act 1967 applies across Great Britain, but devolved administrations have some differences in how the rules are administered. In Scotland, Scottish Forestry handles licences, while Natural Resources Wales manages applications in Wales, and the Forestry Commission covers England.
What is a restocking condition on a felling licence?
A restocking condition is a requirement attached to a felling licence that obliges the landowner to plant new trees on the same land after felling has taken place. The Forestry Commission uses these conditions to ensure that woodland cover is maintained and that the environmental value of the site is not permanently reduced by felling activity.
Should I hire a professional arborist before removing a tree?
Hiring a qualified arborist before any tree removal is strongly advisable, as they can identify TPOs, conservation area designations, and any other legal constraints that might apply. A professional tree surgeon will also carry out the work safely and in compliance with health and safety regulations, reducing the risk of injury or property damage during the removal process.