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Felling or pruning a tree in Brussels: do you need a permit?
In Brussels you cannot simply fell any tree you like, even in your own garden. The rule depends on the size of the tree and the type of work. Here are the key points before you start.
What counts as a standard tree?
Under Brussels planning rules, a standard tree (arbre à haute tige) has a trunk of at least 40 cm in circumference at 1.50 m above the ground and is at least 4 m tall. These are the trees that require a permit.
What requires a planning permit
- Felling a standard tree.
- Moving it.
- Any work that could endanger its survival, such as topping or a major crown reduction.
- Some groundwork at the foot of the tree: sealing, compacting, backfilling or digging within its root zone.
There is an exemption for felling a dead or dying tree, except in certain protected green areas and Natura 2000 sites.
What does not require a permit
Maintenance pruning is exempt. It removes dead or diseased wood and a few healthy branches while keeping the tree’s size, shape and vigour. To stay within this scope, the healthy branches cut must not exceed 22 cm in circumference, or the pruning must not remove more than a third of the crown. Trees listed as remarkable follow stricter rules.
Watch out for 1 April to 15 August
Even with a permit, the Brussels Region prohibits felling trees and pruning them with power tools from 1 April to 15 August, to protect breeding birds. Autumn and winter are therefore the best times for this work.
What about planting near the boundary?
The Civil Code sets minimum distances: 2 m from the property boundary for trees 2 m tall or more, and 50 cm for other plants, unless agreed otherwise with your neighbour. Keep this in mind from the garden design stage.
How we work
During the free visit, we measure the tree, assess its condition and tell you whether a permit seems necessary. If so, allow for the processing time of the application with your municipality before setting a date. We then carry out the pruning or felling safely, removing all wood and branches.
This article gives general guidance. Rules change and can differ between municipalities: always check with your municipality before starting work.
