Ban removal of non-commercial trees unless proven dead or dangerous

62
signatures
closedDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsOpened 6 August 2025Closed 6 February 2026

Background

We call on the government to make it a legal requirement that no non-commercial tree—meaning any tree not grown for forestry, farming, or harvest—may be removed unless a qualified arborist or ecological expert confirms it is dead, diseased, or presents an immediate danger.

Additional details

We think too many healthy, trees are being felled unnecessarily, without sufficient ecological or structural justification. This can cause serious harm to biodiversity and climate stability. This petition doesn't seek to prevent necessary removals, but to ensure that professional evidence supports any decision to destroy a living tree outside of industrial use. We believe we owe it to future generations—and the living world—to protect all living trees.

Where it’s popular

Constituencies with the most signatures on this petition.

Source: UK Government & Parliament Petitions service. Petition ID: 734492.