Can you cut down thujas in a cemetery? An application is needed, but you better hurry

Soon we will have to clean the graves of our loved ones before this important event. It happens that next to the grave there are thujas that are already withered and do not look good, or have grown to a huge size and may pose a threat to the tombstone. It is worth knowing that once a thuja reaches a certain size, it is treated like a tree. Can it be cut out?

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Do I need a permit to cut down thuja? Check what the regulations say

it may happen that the thujas and trees near the graves have grown too much or the trunk has cracked, which may be dangerous. If there is reason that the shrub or would damage the grave, in exceptional circumstances they can be removed. However, this must be done with the consent of the cemetery administration, and the consent should be expressed in writing. However, this applies to specific trees:

• the trunk circumference at a height of 5 cm from the ground exceeds 80 cm – this applies to willows, ash-leaved maple, silver maple and poplar;
• the trunk circumference at a height of 5 cm from the ground exceeds 65 cm – this applies to the maple-leaved plane tree, horse chestnut and black locust;
• the trunk circumference at a height of 5 cm from the ground exceeds 50 cm – this applies to other tree species.

The type of tree and its condition are taken into account, and the manager submits the application to the Department of Environmental Protection. If the cemetery is historic or the tree is over 10 years old, the consent of the provincial conservator of monuments is also required. The decision is made by a special commission. It assesses the tree’s threat to the surroundings and checks whether, for example, the roots can destroy the grave. After the decision is issued, thujas and other trees may be removed from October 15 to the end of February. You can then use the services of a special company.

How to write a request for tree cutting? Better not cut it out yourself

You can complete the application for cutting down a tree yourself. You will find it on the website. It should include the name and surname, the location of the grave, and a map showing the tree to be removed. If you come up with the idea to cut the thuja yourself, it’s better not to do it. It turns out that without a permit you will receive a fine that is twice the fee for removing the tree.