Tree cutting is subject to strict regulations. Forest and stand management regulations specify the penalties that are imposed on those who cut down trees without a permit, as well as provide information on the trees that do not require a permit for cutting.

When is tree cutting not regulated by law?

NYou do not need to apply for permits to the commune or city office when the trees to be cut down meet the following conditions:

• cutting down fruit trees on properties that do not border monuments listed in the register of monuments, or do not belong to and do not border the area of a national park and nature reserve;
• cutting down trees in forests;
• cutting down trees in tree plantations and nurseries;
• removal of trees located between the river bank and dyke, or located in the area of the high bank, which is also a dyke;
• removal of trees obstructing transportation or creating hazards – formation of snowdrifts, obstruction of visibility, obstruction of use of railroad vehicles and equipment;
• removal of trees in connection with the maintenance of water drainage facilities;
• removal of trees in connection with the activities of zoological or botanical gardens.

What should be included in the application for a tree cutting permit (Piaseczno)?

A tree cutting permit is issued by the city, town or commune mayor. The application should be submitted to the city, town or commune office. The application for tree cutting should include the following information:

• basic details of the owner of the plot of land or the owner of the facilities that serve to supply utilities (if the trees threaten the facilities). The details include: given name, surname, address;
• a document confirming the ownership of the property (e.g. entry in the land and mortgage register);
• name of the tree species;
• the land use on which the tree grows;
• the circumference of the tree trunk measured at a height of 5 cm and 130 cm from the ground surface;
• reason for cutting;
• the date of the planned cutting;
• a drawing or map showing the tree or trees to be removed, and marking the boundaries of the plot of land and building structures.

Fees for issuing a tree cutting permit (Piaseczno)

The issuance of a tree cutting permit is free of charge if the cutting is a private matter. If, on the other hand, you apply for tree cutting that is related to your business, you must pay the appropriate fee. The older and larger the tree, the higher the fee. The fee increases proportionally to each centimetre of the tree trunk circumference.

The fee can be avoided if you inform the office that you undertake to replant the tree or make a planting of the same species or a species designated by the office experts. The fee must be paid to the office within 14 days from the date of final issuance of the permit by the responsible authority.

In the case of trees that have several trunks, the circumference of the largest trunk is taken into account and half of the circumferences of the other trunks are added to it. In this way, the amount due for the issuance of the permit is calculated. If the tree has a single trunk, then its circumference directly under the crown is measured (this applies to trees with a trunk height of up to 130 cm). The rate for trees over 130 cm tall is calculated by measuring the circumference at 130 cm from the ground.