Tree Felling Permit Johannesburg

Key Takeaways

• Trees on private residential property that are not protected species generally do not require a permit in Johannesburg
• Protected species under the National Forests Act require a licence from the DFFE before felling
• Trees on municipal property (pavements, parks) require permission from Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ)
• Penalties for felling protected trees: fines and/or imprisonment under the Act
• We advise on permits as part of our tree felling service — WhatsApp +27631302601

Do you need a permit to fell a tree in Johannesburg?

In most cases, you do not need a permit to fell a tree on your own private residential property in Johannesburg — unless the tree is a protected species under the National Forests Act (Act 84 of 1998), or the tree is on municipal property (pavement, park, or nature strip). However, if you live in a sectional title complex or an estate with a homeowners' association, you may need written approval from the body corporate or estate management before removing any tree.

Which trees are protected under the National Forests Act?

Commonly protected species under the Act include:

• Baobab (Adansonia digitata) — rare in Gauteng, mostly Limpopo
• Camel thorn (Vachellia erioloba) — northern Gauteng
• Marula (Sclerocarya birrea) — northern areas

The full and current list of protected species is maintained by DFFE and changes over time. If you are unsure whether your tree is protected, contact us and we will help identify the species before proceeding. Always confirm on the DFFE website.

What about City of Johannesburg municipal by-laws?

The City of Johannesburg regulates trees on municipal property through Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ). You need permission from JCPZ to fell, prune, or remove any tree on a pavement, in a park, or on a nature strip. Contact JCPZ via the City of Johannesburg website to apply. Trees on private property that overhang municipal property (pavement or road) can generally be pruned back to the boundary line without permission, but the pruned branches remain the property owner's responsibility to remove.

What are the penalties for felling a protected tree?

Felling a protected tree species without a licence under the National Forests Act is a criminal offence. Penalties include fines and/or imprisonment — the specific limits are set out in the Act and should be confirmed with DFFE before acting.

• Fines — amount set by the Act, confirm with DFFE for current limits
• Imprisonment
• Both a fine and imprisonment
• Compulsory replanting of removed trees

Additionally, estates and sectional title complexes may impose their own fines for unauthorised tree removal. Check your estate's rules for specifics.

How to apply for a tree felling licence in Johannesburg

1. Identify the tree species. We can help identify your tree during a free on-site assessment. WhatsApp us on +27631302601.
2. Check if it is protected. Cross-reference with the DFFE protected species list. If it is not protected and on private property, no licence is needed.
3. Apply to DFFE if protected. Submit a licence application to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. Processing takes 2–6 weeks.
4. Apply to JCPZ if on municipal property. Contact Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo via the City of Johannesburg website for trees on pavements or in parks.
5. Check estate/body corporate rules. If you live in an estate or sectional title, submit a written request to the homeowners' association or body corporate.
6. Schedule the felling. Once all approvals are in place, we proceed with the tree felling safely and legally.

Do estates and sectional title complexes have their own tree rules?

Yes. Many Johannesburg estates (including those in Fourways, Sandton, and Roodepoort) have strict tree management policies. Some require approval for any tree removal, even on private stands. Others protect specific species (often indigenous trees) and prohibit removal regardless of the property owner's wishes. Always check your estate's architectural or environmental guidelines before scheduling tree felling. We work with estate management teams regularly and can assist with the approval process.

"We have navigated tree felling permits across Johannesburg for 11+ years — from private homes in Northcliff to estates in Fourways. If you are unsure, ask us first. It is always cheaper to check than to pay a fine."

Disclaimer: This page is general guidance compiled by JMT Handyman Services, not legal advice. Protected species lists, penalty amounts, and municipal contact details change over time. Always confirm current requirements with the DFFE and Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo before felling any tree.