Cutting down trees

In Heerlen, you are usually allowed to cut down a tree on your own land without a permit. For trees on the tree list you need a permit: the environmental permit.

The tree list includes:

  • monumental trees
  • upcoming monumental trees
  • wood stands

Rule at Environment Counter

Approach

This is how you apply for an environmental permit to cut down a tree:

  • Go to the Environment Counter.
  • Do the permit check. You will see if you need to report or require a permit.
  • Log in:
    • for yourself: with DigiD
    • For a company: with eRecognition
  • Among other things, you pass on:
    • what kind of tree it is (for example, an oak or a chestnut)
    • where the tree is located (address)
    • Whether you want to cut or prune
    • your reason for wanting to cut or prune
    • if you are not the owner: written permission from the owner of the tree
  • You indicate whether you have consulted with stakeholders. These are those on whom your plans have a direct or indirect impact, for example local residents. Also let us know how this was done. And what you have done with the outcome.

Cost

Applying for an environmental permit for tree felling costs €183.85
You will not get this amount back if we refuse or revoke the permit.

Description

Reason to apply for a permit:

  • the tree is a danger to the environment
  • the tree causes damage
  • the tree threatens to cause damage to the surrounding area 
  • the tree provides very much shade or obstructs the view or
  • the tree must be cut down because maintenance is needed in the area

The municipality checks your application. We do this by using the consideration model logging permit and the 2016 Tree Ordinance. 

What is a monumental tree?

A tree is a monument if it has a special age or beauty.
To get an environmental permit for such a tree, you must be able to prove that there is a good reason for it.

Cutting down other trees

If a tree is not on the tree list, you may cut it down without a permit. A number of trees are under the management of the municipality of Heerlen. Check the list to see if the municipality is already working on a tree. You may not cut down these trees yourself.

Terms

Sometimes you are required to plant a new tree for a felled tree. Instead, you can also make a contribution to the municipal replanting fund. The contribution must equal the tree value at that time.
To calculate the value of the tree, use the valuation method of the Dutch Association of Valuers of Trees (NVTB).

Term

The municipality has 2 decision deadlines:

  • 8 weeks if there are no special situations going on.
  • 6 months if special situations do come up. That can be if it is cutting down:
    • poses a significant risk to the environment;
    • harmful to protected plants or animals;
    • harmful to natural areas.

In either case, we may extend the decision period once by 6 weeks.
Please note: You may only start cutting down 6 weeks after the permit is valid.

Objection and appeal

You disagree with the decision

  • the regular procedure
    You file an objection with the municipality. Do this within 6 weeks. If you disagree with the decision on your objection, you can appeal to the court.
    If you also disagree with the court's decision, you can appeal to the Administrative Law Division of the Council of State;
  • the extensive procedure
    In this procedure, you first give your opinion on the draft decision. Do this within 6 weeks. If they do not follow your opinion, you can then appeal to the Administrative Law Division of the Council of State.

No one responds within the 6-week appeal period? Then the permit is final.

Learn more

Website of the Dutch Association of Tree Appraisers (NVTB).

Or are you looking?

Tree pasting or paneling