In 2025, fresh regulations on logging on private plots enter into force. Changes in law aim to better defend greens while at the same time resolving issues related to the legal removal of trees and shrubs. Each owner of the game should know these regulations before deciding to cut the saw to avoid adverse legal and financial consequences. In the article we will discuss in item the most crucial changes and give a hint of the formalities that request to be fulfilled in order to comply with the applicable law.
Basic changes to tree cutting legislation
The most crucial modification is the work to notify the intention to cut a tree or shrub to the applicable administrative authorities – most frequently the municipality. Until now, the owners of plots could remove trees in their own territory without notification, if they did not exceed certain dimensions. Since 2025, the scope of this “release” has narrowed considerably.
The fresh rules require the reporting of clippings:
- trees with a trunk circumference above 50 cm measured at a tallness of 130 cm (for deciduous trees),
- coniferous trees with a trunk circumference above 80 cm measured at 130 cm,
- shrubs with a circumstantial afforestation area exceeding the specified limits.
Failure to comply with these requirements may consequence in advanced financial penalties and the work to plant fresh plants on the land or even the work to reconstruct the former.
What's the cut-out procedure?
The owner of a game that plans to remove a tree or shrub that meets the above criteria must submit a written application to the municipal office. The notification shall indicate:
- the exact location of the tree (address, parcel number),
- species and perimeter of the tree,
- justification of the cut-off, e.g. safety risk, collision with investment, tree disease.
The Authority has 21 days to object. If the office does not rise any objections within this period, the cut-off may be legal.
Exceptions to notification and consent
The rules supply for respective exceptions that let the tree to be removed without notification. These include:
- trees withered or threatening the safety of humans and property which must be removed immediately,
- trees increasing in construction sites which are essential to carry out the investment after obtaining appropriate permits,
- cuttings of fruit trees in orchards and gardens, provided that their number and surface area do not exceed the limits laid down in the regulations.
However, even in the case of exceptions, it is best to have a photographic documentation or a dendrologist opinion confirming the validity of the clipping.
Penalties for illegal logging
The fresh government provides for severe financial consequences for the illegal removal of trees. The amount of penalties depends on the species of tree and its circumference:
- for deciduous trees may scope from respective to respective 1000 zlotys for each tree cut down,
- for coniferous trees the penalties are besides crucial and may exceed PLN 20 thousand,
- the work to plant fresh trees in their own territory or in places designated by the office.
From the position of green area managers and local authorities, tightening penalties is intended to defend the environment more effectively and reduce the unpunished cutting.
The importance of fresh regulations for land owners and investors
The fresh rules place additional administrative responsibilities on owners and investors and require greater legal awareness. They are peculiarly crucial in the context of the increasing force to defend greens in cities and agrarian areas. Experts point out that:
- a liable approach to logging helps to defend local biodiversity and improve air quality,
- sound documentation and procedures facilitate efficient investment and prevent conflicts with environmental authorities,
- educating property owners about fresh requirements is crucial to avoid unaware infringements.
Since 2025, new, stricter rules have been in force for logging trees on private plots. The owners of the plots must be required to study cuttings of larger trees and shrubs to the municipal office, comply with deadlines and formal requirements, and avoid the voluntary removal of greens, which may consequence in severe penalties. The fresh regulations aim to strengthen environmental protection and conservation of greens, which plays a key function in improving the quality of life and environmental sustainability.
Knowledge of these rules is essential to legally manage its own game and to effectively plan investments respecting the environment.
Read more:
New rules for logging trees on your own land – what has changed since 2025?
