Ireland is famous for its lush greenery—but maintaining hedges and trees comes with legal responsibilities, especially when it comes to wildlife protection and land management. Whether you’re tidying your garden or preparing a property for refurbishment, here’s what you need to know about hedge cutting and tree felling laws in Ireland.
🐦 Seasonal Restrictions on Hedge Cutting
Under the Wildlife Act 1976 (as amended), it is illegal to cut, burn, or destroy hedgerows and vegetation between 1st March and 31st August. This law exists to protect birds during the nesting and breeding season.
However, if you’re working within a domestic garden, you’re in luck – routine hedge maintenance in private homes is exempt. That means if you’re trimming a hedge in your back garden or pruning a shrub in front of your house, you can continue to do so responsibly during the closed season, as long as you’re not disturbing nesting birds.
🪵 Tree Felling – Licence Rules You Should Know
Tree felling in Ireland is regulated under the Forestry Act 2014. In most cases, you need a tree felling licence, even if the tree is on private land.
But there are notable exemptions:
- Trees in urban gardens or within 10 metres of a house.
- Trees that are dead, dangerous, or diseased.
- Trees less than 20 cm in diameter (measured 1.3 metres above the ground).
- Trees removed for health and safety, such as those leaning over a public footpath.
You can apply for a felling licence through the DAFM Tree Felling Licence Portal.
🏡 Are Domestic Horticultural Activities Exempt?
Yes — domestic gardening activities are largely exempt from both the hedge cutting ban and tree felling licence requirements, as long as:
- You are not impacting wild bird habitats.
- You are not in a designated conservation area (like an SAC or SPA).
- The tree isn’t protected by a Tree Preservation Order.
If you’re unsure, it’s always best to consult your local authority or a qualified arborist before proceeding.
⚠️ Contractors & Renovators – A Word of Caution
If you’re working on a vacant property, development site, or in the countryside, hedge and tree works must be treated with care. What’s legal in a back garden may not apply to a hedgerow on a rural site. Always check:
- Planning conditions.
- Wildlife sensitivity (e.g. nesting birds, bats).
- Local authority regulations.
Summit Matters Ltd always advises clients to consider these rules early in their project planning, especially when applying for Vacant Property Refurbishment Grants or SEAI energy upgrades.
✅ Summary Checklist
- ✅ Garden hedge trimming? Allowed year-round, unless nesting birds are present.
- ✅ Felling a tree in your garden? Likely exempt, but check diameter and proximity to the house.
- ✅ Hedge cutting on a development site? Restricted from March to August.
- ✅ Unsure? Ask your local authority or a registered forester.
Need guidance during a renovation or energy upgrade?
Summit Matters Ltd can help you navigate the rules and keep your project compliant while protecting the local environment.