What to expect with felling

Felling trees, which may have been in a natural habitat or recreational space a long time, is always a decisive topic.

Before applying to fell trees, landowners must assess any sensitivities or constraints. They should also engage with groups or people who could affect or be affected by the operations.

The information from this engagement, along with area maps and replanting proposals, must be included in the application.

Once received, we assess the proposal to ensure it meets the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) which includes legal requirements. It sets out the standard for sustainable forest management including biodiversity and protections on site.

We will discuss any changes required with the applicant, to ensure the proposals meet the necessary standard.

Once evaluated, applications are placed on the public register for 30 days. This allows the public and other stakeholders to comment, including:

• government agencies like the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and Historic Environment Scotland (HES)

• local authorities

After consultation, we pass relevant issues to the applicant for mitigation. If the proposal meets the required standards, we will grant permission. We might set out conditions, such as buffer zones or specific timings for operations.

The felling permission will have a set period for tree felling - usually within two years of the issue date. Replanting or restocking the site is also usually required within two years of felling.

The landowner can decide when to start work in the felling period, as long as there are no conditions on the timing of operations. This could depend on how you are selling the timber or what the market demand is.

Forestry operations require careful planning, similar to many construction operations.

Health and safety laws apply to tree harvesting. Dangers must be clearly signposted and risk assessments in place. Many forestry operators are members of Forestry Industry Safety Accord (FISA), who have developed industry standard guidance.

Environmental risks should also be considered. This includes preventing muddy runoff into watercourses. 

Forestry harvesting is a precise process. Machines measure trees, record size volume, and cut them into different lengths for timber products.

The felled timber is removed and stacked by the roadside ready for collection by timber lorries. Transport management plan should be used to assess the route these lorries take.

After felling operations, the site may look messy. As branches and stumps degrade they will enrich the soil and act as feed for trees. Some dead standing trees may be left to act as perches for birds.

Most sites require replanting. Excavators can prepare land before planting. Left over material can be used to protect young trees and mounds formed.

The replacement trees should be planted before the agreed deadline. The planting season runs between November to May, when trees are dormant and can be handled.

The replanted trees must be suitably protected from pests and disease, including deer, voles, and weevils. Planting site management should ensure the trees can successfully establish and further operations may include weeding or replacement of dead trees.  

We will assess sites to ensure replanting is completed to the required standard.

Over time, forests are left to mature - either for future productive woodland or other purposes.