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.
Key takeaways
- Removal of street trees in almost every state requires a permit.
- Tree removal permits range from $65 to $250.
- Average penalty for removing a tree without a permit is $10,000, but it can be much more.
Do you need a permit to remove private property trees
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:
- Idaho – Removal of elm trees will require a permit.
- Massachusetts – There is the state illegal tree cutting law that prohibits you from cutting down or damaging another’s tree. Homeowner has to be sure that the tree, in its entirety, belongs to them.
- New Hampshire – If trees are 150 feet or less close to the shore line there are additional guidelines that you must follow.
- Tennessee – In Nashville many trees are considered protected, so first check if the one on your property isn’t. If it is, you will need a permit (even if it is unhealthy or dead) and probably a replacement tree.
- Utah – Trees that are considered to be “rare, vanishing, or threatened” or indigenous cannot be cut down.
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.
How to apply for a tree removal permit
The process of applying for tree removal permit consists of:
- Application and fees – You will have to fill out the tree removal permit application form (you can do it in-person or online) and you will have to pay the fees. The fees for tree removal permits range from $65 to $250, depending on where you live.
- Site plan – You will need to submit a plot plan, where the trees that you are planning to remove have to be clearly marked, that shows property lines, sidewalk, and where the structures on your lot are located.
- Tree photo – In some towns this is optional, in some it is mandatory. We recommend you to take a photo of the trees that you are planning to remove and include it in your application.
- Receipts – Provide the receipts or any type of evidence that can verify that the tree caused you damage, this can help you with obtaining a permit.
- Field inspection – City will send someone to inspect and determine if everything was done according to regulations.
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.
What happens if you remove a tree without a permit?
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 removal
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).
Site plans for tree removal permits
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.
