Do you need a felling permit in Den Bosch?

Before you have a tree removed there is one question worth asking first: are you actually allowed to? In ’s-Hertogenbosch that depends on the tree. Here is the short version.

When you need a permit in Den Bosch

The municipality of ’s-Hertogenbosch keeps a tree map, the Bomenkaart. If your tree is on it as a monumental or valuable tree, it is protected and you need an environmental permit to fell it. The same goes for ordinary trees in the green structures and character areas the municipality has designated: in a structure from a trunk circumference of 35 centimetres, in a character area from 1 metre. You measure the circumference at 1.30 metres height.

When you usually don’t

If the tree is not on the Bomenkaart and does not stand in such a structure or character area, you can often remove it without a permit. Mind you: this varies per situation. Felling without a permit when one was required can land you a hefty fine, so it always pays to check.

Checking is worth it

The municipality puts it like this itself: from a trunk circumference of one metre there is a good chance you need a permit. The Bomenkaart and the tree policy are online at the municipality, and if in doubt you can ask them. The municipality decides on an application within eight weeks in principle, so plan ahead if you know a tree has to go.

Live in Rosmalen, Hintham or Empel? Those are all part of the municipality of ’s-Hertogenbosch, so these rules apply to you too. Live just outside the city, in Vught or in Berlicum (municipality of Sint-Michielsgestel)? Then that municipality’s rules apply, and they can differ from Den Bosch’s.

I think it through with you

When felling a tree I check whether a permit is needed and point you in the right direction. Message a photo with a rough idea of the trunk circumference and the spot, and you’ll quickly know where you stand.