Do you need a permit to fell a tree in Stockholm?
By Service Plus Stockholm AB3 min read
Short answer
Do you need a permit to fell a tree on your own plot in Stockholm?
On most detached-house plots in Stockholm no permit is needed to fell trees on your own land. A felling permit (marklov) is required if the local development plan contains a rule on tree felling, if the tree is specially protected, for example a large oak, or if the plot lies within an area with landscape protection. Always check the local development plan with the municipality before felling.
When is a felling permit (marklov) required?
The Planning and Building Act allows the municipality to require a felling permit (marklov) for tree felling in areas covered by a local development plan. This applies in three main cases:
- The local development plan contains a rule that a felling permit is required for tree felling, often in residential areas of conservation value such as Bromma, Djursholm, Saltsjöbaden and parts of Lidingö.
- The tree is designated as worthy of protection, for example oaks with a trunk diameter of more than one metre or trees in avenues.
- The plot lies within a nature reserve, a shoreline protection area or an area with landscape protection.
How to check your plot
Look up your property in the municipality's map service and open the current local development plan. Look for wording such as 'a felling permit is required for felling trees' or 'trees with a trunk diameter over X cm may not be felled'. Stockholm, Nacka, Täby, Danderyd and Lidingö all have web-based plan maps.
If you are unsure, you can e-mail the municipality's building permit department with the property designation. Asking costs nothing.
What happens if you fell a tree without a permit?
Felling without a permit where one is required can result in a substantial building sanction fee per tree, and the municipality can require new trees to be planted. Neighbours affected by felling across the boundary can also claim damages.
Branches and roots growing in over your plot may be cut by you if they cause a nuisance, but under the Swedish Land Code you should first give the neighbour the opportunity to do it themselves.
How Service Plus can help
Service Plus Stockholm AB checks the local development plan for your property before larger felling jobs and helps with the permit application if one is needed. Our tree feller Eken also carries out a risk assessment of the tree, which may be needed as supporting documentation in the application if the tree is diseased or at risk of falling.
Tree felling qualifies for the RUT deduction (the Swedish tax deduction for household services) of up to 50% of the labour cost.
Common follow-up questions
Can you fell trees on land owned by a housing cooperative?
Only with a decision by the board, and the same felling permit rules apply as for detached-house plots. Many housing cooperatives (BRF) also have their own rules in their statutes about trees in the courtyard.
How long does a felling permit take?
Normally two to six weeks from a complete application. The municipality charges a fee that varies between municipalities.
Can you fell a tree that is at risk of falling?
Yes, in the case of acute danger the tree may be taken down without waiting for a permit, but document the damage with photos and report it to the municipality afterwards if a felling permit is normally required.
