What should a housing cooperative consider when felling a tree in the garden?

Who decides if a tree on the grounds should be felled

The decision normally rests with the board since trees on the grounds are considered shared property. If the tree is old, large or particularly valued by the members, it is wise to inform people at an annual meeting or via a notice before felling, even though a formal general meeting decision is not required for routine maintenance.

The board should document why the tree is being felled, for example disease, risk of falling branches, root damage to pipes or the facade, or shading that disturbs flats below. Written documentation helps if a member later questions the decision.

• Record the decision in the minutes with date and reason
• Inform affected members well in advance, especially those with windows or balconies facing the tree
• Keep photos of the tree's condition in case of later discussion
• Check the cooperative's bylaws for any special rules about the grounds

Which permits must be checked before booking the work

Many municipalities in the Stockholm region require a site permit or tree felling permit for trees on shared land, especially if the tree stands within a detailed development plan area or has a certain trunk circumference. The cooperative should always check this with its municipality before booking the work, since the application process can take several weeks.

If the grounds are heritage-listed or subject to special planning regulations, the requirements may be stricter than for a private house plot. The board should ask the contractor to confirm in writing that the necessary permits are in place before the saw touches the tree.

Who is responsible for safety and damage during the work

The cooperative is responsible for ensuring the work area is cordoned off and that residents, children and cars are kept at a safe distance while the tree is being felled. A reputable contractor handles risk assessment, fall direction and, if needed, sectional felling with ropes near buildings, playgrounds and parked cars, but the cooperative must make sure the information reaches everyone in the building.

Check that the contractor has liability insurance covering damage to facades, fences, plantings or neighbouring property. Ask for proof of insurance before the work starts, not afterwards.

• Put up information in stairwells and on the notice board a few days in advance
• Cordon off the area with tape or barriers throughout the work
• Move cars, bicycles and play equipment out of the risk zone
• Request written proof of insurance from the contractor

Does the RUT deduction apply to tree felling on the cooperative's grounds

No, the RUT deduction only applies to work carried out for a private individual in their own household, not work that a housing cooperative orders and pays for on shared land. The cooperative is therefore invoiced for the entire labour cost without any deduction, which should be factored into the budget and fee planning ahead of the decision.

Waste removal of trunk, branches and woodchips never qualifies for the RUT deduction either, regardless of who orders it, so that cost always comes as a separate item.

What should be included in the quote from the tree felling company

A clear quote makes it easier for the board to compare bids and avoid surprises afterwards. Ask for felling, stump grinding or stump removal, waste removal of timber and woodchips, and any restoration of the lawn to be specified separately, since the scope affects the final price.

Service Plus Stockholm AB assesses the tree's size, location and level of difficulty on site and provides a free quote with a clear price or hourly rate before the work begins, so the board can make an informed decision.

• Felling and cutting down of trunk and branches
• Stump grinding or stump removal
• Waste removal of timber, branches and woodchips
• Restoration of lawn or flower bed around the stump
• Timeline and any need for cordoning off the area

How does Service Plus help housing cooperatives with tree felling

Service Plus Stockholm AB works continuously with joint property associations, property companies and housing cooperatives across Greater Stockholm and is familiar with the most common requirements around permits, safety and documentation that a board needs to keep track of. Tree feller Eken assesses the tree's condition and location on site, suggests a suitable felling method and provides a clear quote that the board can bring to the next meeting.

After the felling, Service Plus also helps with stump grinding, waste removal of timber and restoration of the lawn area, so the grounds are ready for the members without the board having to coordinate several different contractors.