Skip to main content

Why do we fell trees?

Trees are felled for different reasons including safety, land management, and disease. Unless exempt, you must apply to Scottish Forestry to fell trees. 

Published: 23 Feb 2025

Topic: Felling trees

There are many reasons why a tree might be felled. 


Sustainable forest management

One of the main reasons that trees are felled. Tree felling is part of the sustainable forest management cycle. For example, trees may need to be felled for:

  • the need for timber 
  • thinning


Keeping people safe

A tree may need to be removed if it presents an immediate danger to persons or infrastructure; such as roads or powerlines. 

Managing storm damaged trees


Increasing environmental benefits

For example, the restoration of peatland or protection of native woodlands, such as Scotland's rainforest or Caledonian pinewoods.

Scotland's rainforest


Control of pests and diseases

If a tree is diseased, we might require a landowner to fell the tree to help try and stop the spread.

Prevent pests and diseases

Felling trees
felling permissions.jpg

Felling trees

You need felling permission from Scottish Forestry if you wish to fell a tree, unless the felling is exempt. Find out ways you can apply for a felling permission.
Apply to fell a tree
Felling trees
windblow.jpg

Exemptions

Our exemptions guidance will help you judge if your felling is exempt.
Check for felling exemptions

Reporting a suspected unauthorised felling

If you suspect a potential unauthorised felling you can report this, and we will then investigate further.

If the felling is not on the map viewer and is not exempt, then: 

  • fill out the unauthorised felling form
  • use our contact form to attach and send your completed form 

Alternatively you can contact us and we can complete this with you over the phone.

Was this page helpful?

Feedback buttons

Rate your experience

Your feedback helps us to improve this website. Do not give any personal information because we cannot reply to you directly.

Your feedback helps us to improve this website. Do not give any personal information because we cannot reply to you directly.

Rate your experience

Your feedback helps us to improve this website. Do not give any personal information because we cannot reply to you directly.