Over time, trees can become dry or pose a safety hazard, endangering local residents. However, whether they can be felled depends on the landowner. The landowner determines the procedure for removing the trees, and unauthorised action may even result in a fine.
The media outlet ‘Suspilne’ spoke to Vasyl Kryvolapchuk, deputy head of the department for state environmental supervision of the nature reserve fund, forests and flora in Zhytomyr Oblast.
What to do with trees on private land
This is decided by the immediate owner of the land in question. No special permission is required, nor is payment of the replacement cost of the greenery. This is set out in paragraph 10 of the Procedure for the Removal of Greenery in Settlements, approved by the Government on 1 August 2006 under Decree No. 1045.
The environmentalist clarifies: this applies exclusively to private land or the grounds surrounding a property. However, a tree growing near a house or associated with a property is not always situated on private land.
It all depends on the status of the plot
The procedure for felling a tree depends directly on who owns the land on which the trees are situated:
- private land — the owner decides;
- public areas within built-up areas — the decision is taken by the authorised local authority on the basis of a warrant. This is set out in the aforementioned Order No. 1045;
- In areas outside built-up areas that do not form part of the forest fund, the permit is issued by a local government body or the military administration. This is set out in Government Resolution No. 802 of 17 June 2026 ‘On the implementation of a pilot project for the removal of trees and shrubs outside built-up areas’.
So, if a tree is growing near a block of flats, you need to know exactly who is responsible for the area: the local executive authority, the owners’ association or the property manager. Once you have identified the responsible body, you should contact them directly to establish the course of action.
All these rules apply even if the tree is dry, diseased or in a dangerous condition.
Penalties
Fines may be imposed for felling trees without permission. Under Article 153 of the Administrative Offences Code, the following applies:
- 170–510 UAH for citizens;
- 510–850 UAH for officials.
In addition, in certain cases provided for by law, the offender will be required to compensate for environmental damage. The amount of such compensation is calculated using specific methods.
"The legal classification of the offence is determined by taking into account the specific circumstances: the location of the felling, the status of the land plot, the type of trees and the nature of the offence," added Vasyl Kryvolapchuk.
EcoPolitics discussed whether it is permitted to collect dry wood in the forest in a separate article.
We would also like to remind you of the fines for burning dry vegetation. These are considerably higher than those imposed for felling trees, and may exceed 6,000 UAH.
