Environment, Climate, Energy and Agriculture Authority

Apply for clearing of forest areas

Clearing is the removal of forest in favor of another type of land use. If you intend to clear land, you must apply for a permit in advance.

Detailed description

Clearing means the flat removal of forest to gain other usable areas.

If you use a forest area for other purposes and want to clear a forest for this purpose, you must obtain a permit for this. You must have the permit before you start clearing or converting the forest area.

 

Information

Prerequisites

  • The forest must not be of essential importance for the efficiency of the ecosystem or for forestry production.
  • The protective function of the forest must not be impaired
  • The forest must not be of essential importance for the recreation of the population

Documents required

  • Information on the parcel concerned (parcel map)
  • Information on the size of the area to be cleared
  • Information on the planned type of use
  • Information on planned compensation measures
  • Proof of environmental impact assessment or preliminary environmental impact assessment

Please note

Clearing may only begin when the decision with which the permit was issued has become final.

Deadlines

No

Procedure

In order to obtain permission for clearing, you must submit an application to the competent authority. The competent authority checks the clearing based on your application documents for environmental compatibility and compatibility with other public interests. If necessary, the competent authority will involve other departments concerned for the assessment. You will be informed of the decision in writing.

Processing time

The processing time depends on the type and scope of the application. However, a processing time of at least 6 months is to be expected.

Fees

No

Legal remedies

Objections to this decision can be raised within one month. Further information on this can be found in the notification.

Legal basis

§ 9 paragraph 1 Federal Forest Act (BWaldG)


Section 4 of the Hamburg State Forest Act

Related services

Links on hamburg.de

Links on the Internet

Address and contact information

Environment, Climate, Energy and Agriculture Authority

Agriculture

We have a limited number of customer parking spaces. To reserve a parking space, please contact our receptionist by e-mail at zugang@bsw.hamburg.de or by telephone on +49 40 428 40 - 50 50. Our working hours are: Monday to Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m , Friday from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

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Keywords: Chop down a tree on private land Chop down a tree on public land Clearing Forester - forester Tree population Forest

Last updated: 04.10.2026