Tree Removal Legislation in Slovakia (Clear Overview)
This overview is based on Act No. 543/2002 Coll. on Nature and Landscape Protection and related regulations.
My goal is to provide practical and easy-to-understand information – whether you are a property owner or responsible for green space maintenance.
If you have a specific situation, I can advise you and help with the application process.
Key Regulations and Terms
§ 9 – Binding Opinion of the Nature Protection Authority: the nature protection authority acts as a consulting authority, for example when issuing permits for tree removal under specific regulations.
§ 47 – Tree Removal:
(3) Tree removal requires approval from the nature protection authority unless otherwise stated by law.
(4) The law defines situations where approval is not required (see below).
Note: In practice, the municipality (or the relevant District Authority / Environmental Department) acts as the nature protection authority. Stricter regulations apply in protected areas and when specially protected species are involved.
When Tree Removal Approval Is Required and When Notification Is Sufficient
Standard Case – Approval Required
Tree removal on private or public land outside of exemptions requires written approval from the nature protection authority under § 47 Section 3.
Authorities assess ecological and aesthetic functions as well as impacts on human health and safety.
Before approval is issued, the tree is usually officially marked for removal on site.
Emergency Case – Notification
Immediate threat to health or life, or risk of significant property damage (§ 47 Section 4(c)).
Removal may be carried out immediately, but there is an obligation to notify authorities and document the situation (photos, description).
It is recommended to involve a qualified expert (arborist) and prepare a written condition report.
Exemptions: When Tree Removal Approval Is Not Required (§ 47 Section 4)
The table below summarizes the most common cases. Exact circumstances must always be assessed individually (built-up areas, zoning plans, protected zones, etc.).
Location
Trunk Circumference (measured at 130 cm height)
Shrub Growth
Built-up area of a municipality – land designated for construction
up to 60 cm – approval not required
up to 20 m² – approval not required
Built-up area of a municipality – land not designated for construction
up to 80 cm – approval not required
up to 100 m² – approval not required
Outside built-up municipal areas
up to 90 cm – approval not required
up to 200 m² – approval not required
Replacement of productive fruit trees (for planting new trees) – if replacement planting is carried out within 18 months after removal.
Immediate threat to health or life, or risk of significant property damage – see above, notification procedure applies.
Decision or order issued by a public authority under specific regulations.
Management of specially protected natural areas or landscape features – if removal is demonstrably necessary and carried out by a nature conservation authority or an authorized entity.
Invasive non-native species – if the species is listed in official invasive species registers.
Important: Even if an exemption applies, I recommend keeping photo documentation and a short record explaining the reason for the intervention. Additional restrictions may apply in protected areas and during the bird nesting season.
Procedure – Step by Step
Identify the situation: Is the tree located within a built-up area? In which zone? Is it a fruit tree? Is there an immediate risk?
Measure trunk circumference: Measure at a height of 130 cm (4.3 ft) above ground (record in centimeters).
Documentation: Photos of the entire tree, surrounding area, base of the trunk, and any damage or defects.
Application or notification:
Application for consent – Submit to the relevant nature protection authority (typically the municipality); attach photos, justification, and mark the tree designated for removal on-site if required.
Emergency notification – Submit immediately in case of imminent risk, including photos and a description of the situation.
Special case – Adjacent forest land:
If the tree grows on or directly borders forest land, consent from the District Authority is also required under Section 31 of Act No. 326/2005 Coll. on Forests, along with approval from the forest land manager.
An exception applies in cases of immediate threat to life, health, or significant property damage.
Under Section 33 of the same act, a property owner or construction investor is required to take preventive measures to avoid damage caused by trees on forest land. The scope of such measures is determined by the competent public authority in coordination with forest management authorities. The forest owner or manager is obligated to allow these measures to be carried out.
Carrying out the work: Perform the intervention safely and professionally, with consideration for the surroundings and neighboring properties.
Need help assessing a tree’s condition or preparing an application or notification? Get in touch – I’ll advise you, help prepare the documentation, and carry out the work safely and professionally.
Penalties
Unauthorized tree removal may result in fines and an obligation to carry out replacement planting. The amount of the fine depends on the severity of the violation, the type of area affected, and other circumstances.
The most common problematic situations include:
Tree removal without consent outside of permitted exemptions.
Insufficient documentation in cases of “immediate danger”.
Work carried out in protected areas without special permits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need permission even for a dead tree?
A dead tree may qualify as an “immediate hazard”. It is recommended to document the situation and report it; if unsure, it is safer to request permission.
How is trunk circumference measured for multi-stem trees?
If the trunk visibly splits below 130 cm (51 inches), each stem is measured separately. In complex cases, the nature protection authority makes the final decision.
Fruit trees – always without permission?
Permission is not required for the replacement of productive fruit trees, provided that new planting is carried out within 18 months. Other cases are assessed by the nature protection authority.
What if the municipality does not respond?
Check the status of the application and, if necessary, contact the district environmental office. In urgent situations, follow the notification procedure.
Tree removal during bird nesting season?
It is only allowed if there is an immediate danger. Otherwise, it is recommended to consult the timing with the nature protection authority and ensure nest protection.
This overview does not constitute legal advice. If you have a specific situation, contact me – I will assess the condition and recommend the appropriate procedure in accordance with current regulations.