How and by whom are trees and shrubs pruned?

In accordance with Article 1 of the Law of the Republic of Belarus "On the Plant World" (hereinafter referred to as the Law), pruning of trees and shrubs means the separation of their parts from trees and shrubs (shortening of branches, removal of branches and boughs) that does not lead to the loss of viability of these trees and shrubs.

Pruning may be carried out to prevent harm to the life and health of citizens, property of citizens and legal entities, to eliminate obstacles to the operation of buildings, structures and other objects, as well as to enhance the aesthetic appeal of trees and shrubs (thinning of the crown, giving it the necessary shape, etc.).

Pruning of trees and shrubs in accordance with the Law "On the Plant World" may be carried out by:

land users within the boundaries of which the trees and shrubs to be pruned grow (to prevent harm to the life and health of citizens, property of citizens and legal entities);

legal entities and individual entrepreneurs operating buildings, structures and other objects, in order to eliminate obstacles to the operation of these buildings, structures and other objects;

a person in the field of landscaping (a legal entity, an individual entrepreneur engaged in the creation and maintenance of plantings, as well as a legal entity that has a structural unit engaged in such activities) in order to enhance their aesthetic appeal within the framework of maintaining landscaped areas.

Pruning of trees and shrubs growing on common land in settlements is carried out by an authorized local executive and administrative body, a person in the field of landscaping within the framework of maintaining landscaped areas.

The aforementioned persons may carry out the work independently or on the basis of a civil law contract with other persons.

No permit from the local executive and administrative body is required for pruning.

However, we draw your attention to the fact that independent pruning in violation of the requirements of the Law, depending on the degree of pruning, may be considered damage to plant world objects to the degree or not to the degree of cessation of growth, for which administrative liability and calculation of environmental damage are provided.

Pruning is carried out in accordance with the rules for the maintenance of green spaces, approved by the Resolution of the Ministry of Housing and Communal Services of the Republic of Belarus dated January 13, 2020 No. 1.

Rules for the maintenance of green spacesDownload

The territory where tree and shrub pruning works are carried out, from the beginning to the completion of these works, must be marked around the perimeter with ribbons or by other means, indicating the name (surname, first name, patronymic (if any)) and contact details of the person carrying out the tree and shrub pruning.