Can I cut down tree in my French garden without permission?

Reader Question: I would like to cut down a tree that sits in the corner of my garden to install a shed there. Do I need to ask for permission beforehand? 

There are several cases when you need to apply for authorisation from your mairie to cut down a tree, even if it is entirely on your land.

The first thing to check is the plan local d’urbanisme (PLU), which sets out local planning rules and maps for your area. 

These can usually be found in an urbanisme (planning) section of your mairie’s website, or otherwise by visiting the mairie in person. 

If there are areas of your garden, or even specific trees, mentioned in the PLU as being classified wooded spaces (espace boisé classé), then they cannot be cut down without authorisation. 

In some cases this may be because the tree or trees belong to a rare protected species.

A list of species which are protected nationally can be found at this link. 

Another situation in which you will invariably require authorisation is if the tree is within around 500m of a listed local historic monument in which case will also often need approval from a state body called the service territorial de l’architecture et du patrimoine.

This may also apply to trees which have a particular local legend or story attached to them.

In cases where you need to apply for authorisation from your mairie, this is made via a déclaration préalable de travaux (prior work declaration). 

If you do not hear back after a month, authorisation is implied, though this is often extended to two months in protected areas. 

In some areas, authorisation is also required for any larger trees above a certain height, thickness of trunk or age. 

As a result, with the number of potential restrictions, it is best to check the PLU and if in doubt ask your mairie to clarify. 

Exceptions exist for trees that are dead/dying, dangerous, or interfering with your property – such as cutting into the phone line or rooting itself under the property – or the source of a neighbour disturbance. 

However it is usually good to confirm with authorities or an expert that it is okay to cut down the tree without permission before doing so unless there is an imminent threat. 

When trees are close to property borders, there may be further issues. Note that mairies can sometimes ask you to cut trees in your garden for a variety of reasons.

You should avoid cutting trees between April and July as this can impact biodiversity, and there may be local laws against it (farmers are banned from trimming hedges in this time, but for residents rules depend). 

You can still ask for authorisation in this time however, as approval lasts for three years. 

If none of the restrictions above apply (for example, it is a small, young tree from a non-protected species in the centre of your garden not near the boundary wall, and you are planning to cut it in November) you can do so without authorisation. 

Those found to have cut a tree without authorisation risk a fine of €1,500. This rises to potentially €20,000 for some protected or old trees, and can even see prison sentences for those who cut trees linked to national monuments.