Key fact: A forest notification (metsateatis) is a mandatory document for all felling work on forest land. Applications are submitted through the Environmental Board's e-service and the standard processing takes up to 15 working days. Felling without a forest notification is illegal.
What is a forest notification and when is it needed?
A forest notification is a permit from the Environmental Board (Keskkonnaamet) that grants the right to carry out felling on forest land. A forest notification is required for every felling operation — including clear-cutting, thinning, and sanitation felling. The exception is collecting less than 1 cubic metre of wood for personal use.
Forest notification application process step by step
| Step | Action | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Verify forest management plan in the Forest Registry | 5 min |
| 2 | Log in to the Environmental Board e-service (register.metsad.ee) | 5 min |
| 3 | Select the property and compartment to be felled | 10 min |
| 4 | Choose the felling type (clear-cut, thinning, sanitation felling, etc.) | 5 min |
| 5 | Submit the application | 5 min |
| 6 | Environmental Board review | Up to 15 working days |
| 7 | Forest notification confirmed or order issued | — |
Required prerequisites
- Valid forest management plan — must not be older than 10 years
- Property owner consent — if applied by someone else (e.g. a harvesting rights buyer)
- ID card or Mobiil-ID — to log in to the e-service
- Felling maturity requirements — the forest must be of the required age
Overview of felling types
| Felling type | Description | Minimum age |
|---|---|---|
| Clear-cut (lageraie) | Felling of the entire stand | Spruce 80 y., pine 90 y., birch 60 y. |
| Thinning (harvendusraie) | Removal of some trees from a dense stand | No age restriction |
| Sanitation felling (sanitaarraie) | Removal of damaged and diseased trees | No age restriction |
| Selection felling (valikraie) | Removal of individual trees | Tree diameter min. 32 cm |
| Strip felling (trassiraie) | Felling for routes and roads | No age restriction |
Practical tip: If you sell harvesting rights to Metzfund, we handle the forest notification application on your behalf. You do not need to deal with this yourself.
Common problems when applying
- Outdated forest management plan — must be updated first (cost 100–300 €)
- Natura 2000 restrictions — felling is prohibited on some compartments
- Felling maturity not reached — clear-cutting can only be done at the mature age
- Co-ownership issue — consent of all owners is required
"Applying for a forest notification is a technical process, but errors can delay felling by weeks. If you are unsure, let a specialist help." — Metzfund
Frequently asked questions
How long is a forest notification valid?
A forest notification is valid for 12 months from the date of confirmation.
Is applying for a forest notification free of charge?
Yes, applying for a forest notification through the Environmental Board e-service is free.
What happens if I fell without a forest notification?
Felling without a forest notification is illegal. The fine can be up to 1,200 € for a natural person and up to 32,000 € for a legal entity.
Does Metzfund help with the forest notification application?
Yes, when buying harvesting rights, we handle the forest notification on your behalf.