Sustainable forest management
Felling is a normal part of the forest life cycle.
As woodlands grow, trees may be removed to:
- provide timber for construction and industry
- thin the woodland to improve spacing, light levels and long-term forest health
- promote natural regeneration by creating space and light for young trees to establish
- create a more diverse age and species structure, making woodlands more resilient to pests, diseases, and climate change
- manage woodland for recreational access, such as maintaining trails, viewpoints, or open spaces
This ensures Scotland’s forests continue to grow sustainably and remain productive for future generations.
Keeping people safe
Trees may need to be removed when they pose a risk to people, property, or essential infrastructure.
This can include locations such as:
- roads, railways, and footpaths
- public spaces including parks, trails, and recreation areas
- power lines, utilities, and other critical services
- schools, community facilities, and places with high footfall
Felling may also be required after severe storm events.
Storms can leave trees damaged, unstable, or at high risk of falling, and removing them is often necessary to protect the public and allow safe access.
Safe removal is carried out by trained professionals who assess the risks, manage the site, and ensure surrounding areas remain secure during the operation.
Learn more about managing storm damaged trees
Increasing environmental benefits
Tree felling can play an important role in improving the overall health and resilience of Scotland’s natural environment.
In some situations, removing certain trees allows threatened habitats to recover, supports biodiversity, and contributes to long-term climate and ecological goals.
Examples include:
- restoring peatlands - felling helps re‑wet peat, protect rare species, and lower wildfire risk
- enhancing habitat for wildlife - selective felling creates varied woodland structure that benefits insects, birds, and mammals
- supporting landscape and water management - felling can improve water quality, stabilise river environments, and reduce erosion
- protecting native woodlands - removing nonnative trees supports the recovery of Scotland’s rainforest and Caledonian pinewoods
Learn more about Scotland's rainforest
Control of pests and diseases
If a tree is infected with a serious pest or disease, felling may be required to prevent it spreading to nearby forests or landscapes.
Prevent pests and diseases
