Trees in Dubai villa gardens: what you can plant and cut

In Emaar communities, trees must be planted at least 1.5 m from boundary walls, and Damas (conocarpus) trees are not permitted. Damac doesn't allow Damas either. Cutting or damaging trees in public areas is banned. The rule for a ghaf in a private garden isn't verified.

Checked 16 October 2026. Rules and fees change, so confirm with your developer before you book any work.

Key takeaways

• Emaar: plant trees at least 1.5 m from boundary walls. Damas (conocarpus) isn't permitted.
• Damac: Damas trees aren't allowed.
• Owners can't touch trees in common areas.
• Cutting or damaging trees in public areas is banned (Regulatory Resolution 12 of 1998), with a fine of AED 500 to 1,000.
• News reports say Dubai Municipality-tagged perennial trees, including ghaf, need its permission to cut or move, with fines reported up to AED 50,000.
• We couldn't verify the rule for a ghaf inside a private garden.

How far from the wall can you plant a tree in a Dubai villa?

At least 1.5 m from boundary walls in Emaar communities, according to Emaar Community Management's FAQ pages. Other developers may set different distances, and we couldn't find them published. Roots and canopy can damage walls and neighbouring plots, so even where nothing is published, leave room.

Which trees are banned?

Emaar doesn't permit Damas (conocarpus) trees, and the DAMAC Living help pages say they aren't allowed in Damac communities. If you already have one, ask your community office before you remove or replace it.

Can you cut trees in a common area?

No. Owners can't touch common-area trees. Report problems to your community management.

Is there a law against cutting trees?

In public areas, yes. Cutting or damaging trees in public areas is banned under Regulatory Resolution 12 of 1998, with a fine of AED 500 to 1,000. That applies to public land, not your own garden.

What about ghaf and other protected trees?

News reports say Dubai Municipality tags certain perennial trees, including ghaf, and that you need its permission to cut or move them. Fines up to AED 50,000 have been reported. We haven't seen the primary source for this.

We could not verify the rule for a ghaf growing inside a private villa garden. If you have one, don't cut or move it. Contact Dubai Municipality and ask first.

What does a tree job in a villa garden need?

In our experience, trees, front-garden changes and grass replacement usually need a developer NOC. We haven't found a published rule on routine trimming within your own plot, so confirm with your community. See developer NOCs for garden work. The owner applies. Green Beetle doesn't apply for NOCs. The owner applies, and we provide the drawings and details the developer asks for.

Green Beetle services for trees

We offer tree trimming, tree removal and plants and trees installation. All are quoted after a free site visit. For the wider rules, read garden work permission in Dubai.

Reviewed by Hamza, site supervisor at Green Beetle.