Public Consultation: Amendments to the Guidelines on Works Involving Trees

CONSULTATION BRIEF

Start date: 16 April 2025

Closing date: 28 May 2025

Title of the public consultation: Public Consultation: Amendments to the Guidelines on Works Involving Trees

Ministry: Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness (MEEC)

Entity: Environment & Resources Authority (ERA)

 

  1. Background

The Guidelines on Works involving Trees were published in January 2019. These guidelines cater for the following items:

    1. Which trees are protected and under what circumstances is a permit needed;
    2. How to apply for a permit;
    3. How to carry out sensitive pruning works;
    4. How to carry out sensitive transplanting;
    5. Principle of compensatory planting, as an update to the Guidelines on Trees, Shrubs and Plants on Planting and Landscaping in the Maltese Islands (EMU 2002);
    6. How to avoid damage to trees due to construction; and
    7. Becoming a Licensed Tree Specialist.

 

  1. Consultation

Following the application of the guidelines for over 5 years, ERA is recommending certain amendments. These amendments mainly include:

    1. Updates on how to apply for a permit for intervention on protected trees and for a licensed tree specialist in view of the introduction of the new ERIS Portal.
    2. The transplanting guidance including which species are readily transplanted or otherwise;
    3. Compensation to include further scenarios and ratios such as diseased trees as well as further guidance on the selection of adequate species depending on the site.
    4. Changes to the procedure of applying for an Emergency Permit to simplify the process.

The proposed amendments to the Guidelines therefore seek a more practical and sensible approach to interventions on trees.

ERA is inviting the public and interested stakeholders to provide their feedback on the proposed amendments to the Guidelines on Works Involving Trees.

 

  1. Documents

Proposed amendments to the Guidelines on Works Involving Trees

Report on comments submitted during Intent and Objectives stage

 

  1. Submission of feedback

Comments are being invited through the feedback form at publicconsultation.gov.mt or otherwise by email through [email protected].

 

  1. Further notes

Please be informed that comments submitted, together with the identity of the contributor, may be published online at the end of the public consultation, unless the contributor objects to the publication of his/her personal data. In this case, the contribution may be published in anonymous form.

All comments submitted shall be duly considered.