Working in France..advice please.

[leswold]

We've been asked to work on numerous trees in the Dordogne area. It involves felling, topping etc within a sizeable bit of private land surrounding a holiday/second home, owned by the customer. I wondered what the situation is with permissions etc as I heard one had to sleep with the mayor to get anything approved. Any knowledge/experiences welcome as I've noticed several of you live/work there.

[GreenGui]

If he owns the trees and they are on his land, providing there are no protection orders on them he should just be able to go ahead and do the works. If they border roads then the usual warning signs etc are required but thats about it. I am in the north but I doubt it is any different in 'Dordoneshire' than Brittany. If any any doubt get him to ask at the Mairie first, the secretary will know - she will likely say "Non" and give him a funny look for asking

[Mick Dempsey]

Greengui is pretty much right. Just be careful about insurance, both public liability and personal.

[Ty Korrigan]

If the trees are marked on a 'plan cadastre' as a wooded area or a talus/hedgerow then 'defrichage' clear felling of large native hardwoods requires permission in the form of a 'declaration preable'

This is rare.

I've had a handfull in all my years here.

Also, some trees may be shared ownership, this is another issue all together.

Just be 100% certain that any trees on the limit of the property ARE indeed your clients.

This crops up often.

Bon chance and enjoy your working holiday full in the knowledge your not paying company tax at 30% French social charges of 50% plus income tax on whatever is left...BLEH!

Ty