
Depending on where you live, removing a tree on residential property or non-residential areas may require a permit. In the case of street trees, most municipalities require a permit. When it comes to private property trees, the situation is a bit different. Let’s explain.
In this table you can find the information on whether the permit is required in order to remove the tree on your lot (within your property lines).
STATE | Do you need a tree removal permit | STATE | Do you need a tree removal permit |
Alabama | ❌ | Minnesota | ✅ |
Alaska | ✅ | Mississippi | ❌ |
Arizona | ❌ | Missouri | ❌ |
Arkansas | ❌ | Montana | ❌ |
California | ✅ | Nebraska | ❌ |
Colorado | ❌ | Nevada | ❌ |
Connecticut | ❌ | New Hampshire | ❌ |
Delaware | ❌ | New Jersey | ✅ |
Florida | ✅ | New Mexico | ❌ |
Georgia | ✅ | New York | ❌ |
Hawaii | ❌ | North Carolina | ❌ |
Idaho | ❌ | North Dakota | ❌ |
Illinois | ✅ | Ohio | ❌ |
Indiana | ❌ | Oklahoma | ❌ |
Iowa | ❌ | Oregon | ✅ |
Kansas | ❌ | Pennsylvania | ❌ |
Kentucky | ❌ | Rhode Island | ✅ |
Louisiana | ✅ | South Carolina | ✅ |
Maine | ❌ | South Dakota | ❌ |
Maryland | ✅ | Tennessee | ❌ |
Massachusetts | ❌ | Texas | ✅ |
Michigan | ❌ | Utah | ❌ |
Keep in mind that this information is general, each town, city, municipality and even HOA community have their own guidelines, laws and bylaws.
Some of the exceptions from the information in the table are:
Even if your local government doesn’t require a permit for tree removal on private property, if you decide to remove street trees, you will have to obtain it. Street trees are the responsibility of the neighboring property owner. In many areas, after trees are removed, you have an obligation to replace them (plant the new one on that ground). So, let’s see how you can apply for a tree permit.
The process of applying for tree removal permit consists of:
It will take between 2 and 4 weeks for tree permit applications to go through the approval process.
If you wondered “But, what will happen if I remove a tree without a permit?”. Let’s find out.
If you remove a tree or multiple trees, in an area where a tree permit is required, you will have to pay a fine.
LOW PENALTY | $500 |
HIGH PENALTY | $100,000 |
NATIONAL AVERAGE | $10,000 |
This is just the average range, fines can be much higher. In 2016, in the city of Woodside, California, a man was fined $212,500 for removing trees from his land without a permit.
Heritage tree can only be removed if it is dead or a safety hazard. For removing or pruning heritage trees a permit is required, certified arborist has to approve it, whether they are on a private property or it is a street tree.
They are recognized by the City Council for their uniqueness, age or horticultural significance. Most cities have a Heritage trees database with all the species that are protected and cannot be removed without certified arborist approval.
When you look at the information in this infographic, you can understand why there are such strict laws when it comes to heritage trees and why the permit is required. Mha stands for a million hectares. In comparison, the average tree cover loss in the US is 868 kha (thousands of hectares).
Our plot plans for permits are the most efficient way to obtain a tree permit. Contact us and order your site plan today, we will deliver it to you in 24h or less.
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