Do you need a permit to cut down a tree in the Netherlands?
By Hovenier Hoofddorp · Updated July 19, 2026
Often, yes — even in your own garden. Most Dutch municipalities require an environmental permit (omgevingsvergunning, commonly called a kapvergunning) before you may fell a larger tree. The rules differ per municipality: in Haarlemmermeer and Haarlem the threshold is a trunk circumference of about 50 cm measured at 1.30 m height; Amstelveen and Aalsmeer only protect trees on a municipal "valuable trees map". Felling without a required permit can result in a fine plus an obligation to replant.
What are the rules in each municipality?
| Municipality | When is a permit required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Haarlemmermeer (incl. Hoofddorp) | Trunk circumference from ±50 cm (at 1.30 m) | Apply via the national Omgevingsloket |
| Haarlem | Trunk circumference from 50 cm (at 1.30 m) | Also required for pruning >20% of the crown; replanting obligation applies |
| Amstelveen | Only trees on the valuable trees map | Own garden + not on the map = usually permit-free |
| Aalsmeer | Only trees on the valuable trees map | Same system as Amstelveen |
| Heemstede | Depends on municipal tree list | We check the current status for you |
Municipalities update these rules periodically — always verify via the Omgevingsloket (omgevingswet.overheid.nl) or let us do it; the check is a standard part of every tree job we quote.
How do you apply for a felling permit? (step by step)
- Measure the trunk circumference at 1.30 m above ground with a tape measure. Below the local threshold? You can usually fell without a permit.
- Check the Omgevingsloket (the national online permit desk, omgevingswet.overheid.nl) with your address. The site is in Dutch — we are happy to do this for you.
- Prepare attachments: photos of the tree, a simple site sketch and your reason for felling.
- Submit the application. The municipality must decide within 8 weeks (extendable once by 6 weeks). Permit fees (leges) range from a few dozen to a few hundred euros depending on the municipality.
- Plan the felling outside the bird breeding season (15 March – 15 July) and comply with any replanting condition in the permit.
What happens if you fell a tree without a permit?
Illegal felling is an offence: the municipality can impose a fine and a replanting obligation, meaning you must plant back a comparable tree at your own cost. For protected or monumental trees the penalties can be substantial. Landlords and neighbours do report illegal felling — as an international resident, do not rely on "nobody will notice".
Exception: if a tree poses an acute danger (for example after storm damage), municipalities can grant an emergency felling procedure. We can arrange this quickly when needed.
What about the bird breeding season and neighbour rules?
- Breeding season (15 March – 15 July): disturbing nesting birds, nests and eggs is prohibited year-round under Dutch nature law. Practically: plan felling and major pruning between mid-July and mid-March, or have the tree checked for nests first.
- Neighbour law: trees must generally stand at least 2 metres from the property boundary, hedges and shrubs 0.5 metres — unless the municipality allows less or the situation has existed for over 20 years. Neighbours can demand removal of overhanging branches after a written request.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a felling permit cost?
You pay municipal fees (leges) which vary per municipality — typically a few dozen to a few hundred euros. This comes on top of the felling itself (€200 to €800 including wood removal). We include the permit paperwork in our tree care quotes.
How long does the permit process take?
The municipality must decide within 8 weeks of application, extendable once by 6 weeks. After the permit is granted there is usually a 6-week objection period for neighbours. Realistically, plan 2 to 3 months from application to felling.
My landlord says I can just remove the tree — is that true?
Not necessarily. The permit requirement applies to the tree, regardless of who owns or rents the property. If a permit is required and the tree is felled without one, both the person who ordered it and the contractor can be held responsible. Get the permit check done first — it is quick and often free.
Does a dead tree also need a permit?
Formally yes, in most municipalities — a dead or diseased tree above the threshold still requires a permit. If it poses an acute safety risk, an emergency procedure is possible. We assess this on site and arrange the fastest legal route.
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