Understanding tree felling in England
An overview of tree felling, environmental considerations and the permission you need.
Applies to England
If you are thinking about felling, read our guidance on felling licences, why you need one and how to get one.
What is tree felling and what are the benefits
Tree felling is the act of cutting down, coppicing or destroying growing trees by any means. Read the definitions of trees and woodland and felling and restocking.
You may want to fell trees for several reasons, including:
- harvesting timber for commercial use to provide material for construction and manufacturing
- managing woodland for conservation purposes to create diverse habitats by allowing light to reach forest floors, supporting varied plant and wildlife species
- removing diseased trees to prevent the spread of pests and diseases, protecting the health of trees and maintaining woodland ecosystems
- removing damaged or dangerous trees that pose a risk to safety, to protect people, property and infrastructure from falling branches or trees
- helping maintain paths for recreation and conservation work
Felling should be balanced alongside environmental protection, meeting the requirements of the UK Forestry Standard, with permissions in place and restocking where appropriate.
Get permission to remove trees
You need permission to fell most trees in England. Find out when a felling licence is needed.
What is a felling licence
A felling licence grants permission to legally fell any growing trees and provides evidence of legally felled timber entering the market. Licences are free in England and are issued by the Forestry Commission.
You will typically need a felling licence before you can fell any growing trees. The application process involves submitting details about the trees to be felled and any restocking proposals.
There are exemptions for felling licences, such as needing to cut down a tree to prevent danger. Read the full guidance on when a felling licence is needed before applying: Tree felling: getting permission.
Felling considerations
Before cutting down trees, you must assess the surroundings and impact of tree felling on the land. Assessing the constraints will make sure that felling is appropriate for the environment, wildlife, historic environment and landscape.
To ensure forestry operations are done sustainably, they should follow the UK Forestry Standard best practice guidance.
You can find out more about constraints and considerations and felling in specific circumstances on Tree felling in England.
Register of tree felling projects
The Forestry Commission maintains public registers that show details of tree felling projects.
On these registers, during the 21-day consultation period you can:
- view proposed tree felling projects
- submit comments about how the proposals may affect you or the local area and to request more information about specific proposals
You can also check details of felling licences that have already been approved. Some felling licence applications may be excluded from the consultation register; you can find out more about public consultation and these exemptions.
If you suspect felling has occurred without a licence, you can find out how to report illegal tree felling.
Contact us
If you have a felling licence query, please read Tree felling: getting permission.
If you need more information on whether you require a licence, contact your nearest Forestry Commission area office.