How can I tell whether felling has been authorised?

Exemptions include certain situations, persons and tree where felling permission is not needed. These include:

• any trees with a diameter at breast height (1.3 metres from the ground) of ten centimetres or less
   

• up to 5 cubic metres of timber within any set calendar quarter

  • 1 January to 31 March
  • 1 April to 30 June
  • 1 July to 30 September
  • 1 October to 31 December

  This exemption does not apply in native broadleaved woodland of 0.1 to 0.5 hectares or in Caledonian Pinewood Inventory sites 

  Caledonian Pinewood Inventory (Scottish Forestry maps)

• trees in orchards, gardens, churchyards, burial grounds and public open spaces
   
• a tree where necessary for the prevention of immediate danger to persons or property
   
• trees where felling is immediately needed to carry out a development approved by planning permission
   
• any tree that blocks aircraft at an aerodrome or hinders air navigation or landing installations
   
• a tree by, or at the request of, an electricity operator, where the tree is in close proximity to an electric line or electrical plant (existing or to be installed). Or where the presence of the tree is either obstructing or interfering with the installation, maintenance or working of the line or plant, or constituting an unacceptable source of danger
   
• trees on land occupied by a statutory undertaker, and at their request, which are obstructing or interfering with the construction or maintenance of their work
   
• a tree by, or at the request of, Scottish Water, where the tree is or may interfere with the functions of Scottish Water

• a tree by, or at the request of a local authority, where done in accordance with the local authority’s functions under the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009 

  Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009 (legislation.gov.uk website)

• trees of the genus Ulmus (Elm) affected by Dutch Elm Disease and where most of the crown is dead. Trees on land subject to a Dedication Agreement in positive covenant

  Dutch Elm Disease: Central and Southern Britain (Forest Research website)

• dead trees - trees that are starting to die or are blown over are not exempt
   
• where it's needed by order of a court or tribunal or by any enactment

• a tree covered by a Tree Preservation Order where consent to fell has been granted by the local authority

  Tree Preservation Orders and trees in conservation areas (UK Government website)

• you can also view felling permission exemptions for utilities and infrastructure

  Check felling permission exemptions for utilities and infrastructure

Once you have identified whether an exemption likely applies or checked whether felling has approved by us.