Removing a tree is typically straightforward. Tree removal experts are contacted to schedule the removal, often carrying out the job smoothly without interference from local or state authorities. However, some states have specific rules and regulations requiring permits or special permissions before trees can be cut down, often for preservation purposes or to comply with municipal ordinances.

In all states, utility companies enforce strict policies regarding trees near power lines. Generally, planting any shrub or tree that stays under 25 feet is safest if it’s located at least 20 feet away from power lines. If you plant a taller tree closer to these lines, there’s a high likelihood that the utility company or the city will intervene, either trimming the tree to their requirements or removing it entirely. To avoid any issues and maintain the tree’s appearance, it’s best to plant it well away from utility lines.

Tree Removal Laws by State

Alabama

  • No permit required: Birmingham does not require permits for the removal of trees on private property, placing full responsibility on property owners.
  • Property Owner Responsibility: Care and removal decisions lie entirely with the property owner.
  • Alabama Department of Forestry: Offers tree care guidance and tips for proper removal.

Alaska

  • Juneau Regulations: No permits are needed for private tree removal in Juneau.
  • Anchorage Exceptions: The director of development services can remove dead, hazardous, or improperly located trees, especially those near sidewalks or public areas.
  • Anchorage Parks & Recreation: Details local policies and tree care recommendations.

Arizona

  • Phoenix Visibility Ordinance: Trees over 10 feet tall or a foot in diameter that block traffic or pedestrian pathways must be addressed by the owner within seven days of notification.
  • No Residential Permit Required: Homeowners do not need permits for tree removal on private property.
  • Phoenix City Services: Provides information on urban forestry and visibility rules.

Arkansas

  • Abundant Tree Cover: Little Rock, along with the rest of Arkansas, does not regulate tree removal on private property due to the plentiful tree population.
  • No Permit Needed: There are no specific rules requiring permits for tree removal in residential areas.
  • Arkansas Forestry Division: Offers resources and information on private tree care.

California

  • Heritage Tree Protections: Cities like Sacramento and San Jose require permits for removing heritage or specific protected tree species, such as oaks.
  • Oakland and LA Regulations: Oakland requires permits for certain tree species above a specified size, while Los Angeles mandates permits only for oak tree removals.
  • California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection: Provides information on protected species and tree ordinances.

Colorado

  • Permit for Public Trees: Denver requires a permit for the removal of trees encroaching on public spaces or right-of-ways, even if they are on private land.
  • No Permit for Private Trees: Trees fully on private property are the owner’s responsibility and do not require permits for removal.
  • Denver Parks & Recreation: Guidance on tree ordinances and care tips.

Connecticut

  • No Tree Species Protected: Hartford does not list any tree species as protected and has no permit requirements for private tree removal.
  • Owner’s Responsibility: Private owners must handle hazardous or dead trees on their land without expecting city intervention.
  • Connecticut DEEP Forestry: Offers forestry management practices for residents.

Delaware

  • Private Tree Removal Freedom: Homeowners in Dover are not restricted from removing trees on private property.
  • No Permit Required: The city does not require a permit for tree removal, though regulations exist for wetland areas.
  • Delaware Forest Service: Offers advice and programs for urban forestry and private land management.

Florida

  • Varied City Regulations: Tallahassee requires permits for trees over 36 inches in diameter, while Miami requires permits for removing more than 25% of trees on a property.
  • Jacksonville Guidelines: Trees over 4 feet tall or with a circumference of 3.5 feet need a permit for removal.
  • Florida Forest Service: Information on local tree regulations and best practices.

Georgia

  • Atlanta Tree Ordinance: A permit is needed to remove any hardwood tree over 6 inches in diameter or pine trees over 12 inches in diameter.
  • Tree Population Protection: Atlanta’s ordinance aims to maintain and protect the existing tree population from reduction.
  • Georgia Forestry Commission: Guidance on tree preservation and regulations for private landowners.

Hawaii

  • Honolulu Tree Trimming Rule: City officials may trim or remove hazardous or obstructing parts of private trees overhanging streets, without the owner’s consent.
  • No Permit for Removal: Property owners are free to remove trees on private property without a permit.
  • Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources: Offers tree care guidance and urban forestry information.

Idaho

  • Boise Elm Trees: A permit is required only for the removal of elm trees on private property.
  • No General Restrictions: Private tree removal in Boise does not generally require a permit, with responsibility resting on the owner.
  • Idaho Department of Lands: Provides forestry and private tree care resources.

Illinois

  • Chicago Permit Requirement: A tree work permit is necessary for any tree removal, along with a liability insurance certificate.
  • Ash Tree Regulation: Ash trees require compliance agreements due to the emerald ash borer infestation.
  • Illinois Department of Natural Resources: Information on protected species and urban tree care.

Indiana

  • Owner Responsibility: The owner of a tree is determined by where the trunk stands, regardless of branches overhanging into neighboring properties.
  • No Indianapolis Permits: There are no permit requirements for removing trees on private property within the city.
  • Indiana Department of Natural Resources: Provides tree management and care guidelines.

Iowa

  • Des Moines Ordinance: Private property owners are responsible for dead or hazardous trees near sidewalks or streets, with no permits required for removal.
  • No Protected Species: There are no special rules protecting specific tree species in the city.
  • Iowa Department of Natural Resources: Information on urban forestry and tree regulations.

Kansas

  • Proof of Infected Tree: Kansas requires cities to prove a tree is infected before removal, ensuring that private trees are not removed without reason.
  • No Special City Regulations: Topeka, Wichita, and Kansas City do not require permits for private tree removal.
  • Kansas Forest Service: Provides guidance on tree health and regulations.

Kentucky

  • Frankfort Public Tree Permits: Private property owners must get a permit to remove trees located in street or right-of-way areas.
  • Private Tree Responsibility: Owners are fully responsible for tree removal on their land unless it affects public areas.
  • Kentucky Division of Forestry: Offers resources for urban and rural tree management.

Louisiana

  • Cypress Tree Protection: State law protects cypress trees on state-owned water bottoms, requiring permits for removal.
  • Baton Rouge Tree Ordinance: A permit is required to clear trees on more than one acre of private property.
  • Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry: Provides information on tree preservation and forestry laws.

Maine

  • Shoreland Tree Rules: Trees within 50 feet of the shore must meet specific size criteria for removal, ensuring a buffer of well-distributed vegetation.
  • No Urban Regulations: Augusta does not have specific ordinances for tree removal on private land.
  • Maine Forest Service: Offers information on state tree regulations and shoreland management.

Maryland

  • Roadside Tree Law: Removal of any tree near state roadways requires a permit and subsequent replacement.
  • Forest Conservation Act: A permit is required for the removal of more than one acre or 40,000 square feet of trees.
  • Maryland Department of Natural Resources: Comprehensive details on tree laws and conservation efforts.

Massachusetts

  • Illegal Cutting Liability: Cutting down or damaging another’s tree can lead to fines up to three times the value of the tree.
  • Boston Permit Rights: Boston allows private property owners to petition for public tree removal through hearings.
  • Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation: Information on urban forestry and tree care.

Michigan

  • Ash Tree Disease Control: Ash trees infected with emerald ash borer should be removed immediately to prevent the spread of disease.
  • Lansing Regulations: No specific permit is required for private tree removal in Lansing.
  • Michigan Department of Natural Resources: Provides resources for managing diseased trees and private property guidelines.

Minnesota

  • Minneapolis Permit Needed: Tree removal permits are required from the Forestry Division, with the city retaining the right to deny them.
  • Hazardous Tree Regulations: Diseased trees, such as those with Dutch elm or emerald ash borer, may be removed by the city if deemed hazardous.
  • Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: Guidance on tree pests, removal, and care.

Mississippi

  • No Jackson Regulations: No permits are required for tree removal on private property in Jackson.
  • Owner Responsibility: Property owners are responsible for any hazardous or dying trees on their land.
  • Mississippi Forestry Commission: Provides details on private tree management and local tree services.

Missouri

  • **St. Louis Private Tree Rules**: Private trees are the owner’s responsibility, but the city may inspect and remove trees deemed hazardous.
  • City Rights: The Director of Forestry has the authority to address trees with diseases, insect pests, or other hazards.
  • Missouri Department of Conservation: Information on tree care, removal, and city regulations.

Montana

  • No Special State Laws: No permits or regulations are required for tree removal on private property in Montana.
  • City of Billings: The city has no special requirements or conditions for tree removal.
  • Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation: Offers information on forestry and tree care in the state.

Nebraska

  • Private Owner Responsibility: Tree removal and care on private property are solely the owner’s responsibility in Lincoln and throughout Nebraska.
  • No Permit Required: No specific permit is required for tree removal, regardless of the tree’s size or condition.
  • Nebraska Forest Service: Provides resources for urban tree management and care.

Nevada

  • No Carson City Permits: There are no permit requirements or special regulations for tree removal on private property.
  • City and State Programs: Programs exist to promote tree cover, but private tree removal is at the owner’s discretion.
  • Nevada Division of Forestry: Provides resources on tree care, removal, and conservation.

New Hampshire

  • Shoreland Tree Regulations: Trees within 50 feet of the shore require adherence to a grid system for removal, while those within 50-150 feet follow unaltered state regulations.
  • Concord Rules: No special regulations or permits are needed for private tree removal within city limits.
  • New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands: Offers guidelines for shoreland and urban tree management.

New Jersey

  • Township Regulations: Many townships in New Jersey have ordinances to protect private property trees, sometimes denying permits for removal.
  • Trenton’s Forestry Authority: City officials have the right to remove trees considered hazardous after notifying the owner.
  • New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection: Information on local forestry policies and protected tree regulations.

New Mexico

  • No State or City Restrictions: Both Albuquerque and Santa Fe do not require permits for tree removal on private property.
  • Owner’s Responsibility: Property owners are responsible for maintaining their trees and addressing any hazards.
  • New Mexico State Forestry Division: Resources for tree care and private property guidelines.

New York

  • Albany Permit Requirements: Trees larger than 6.5 feet in circumference cannot be removed from private property without a permit.
  • Community Development Rules: Certain developments may have specific regulations on tree removal to maintain neighborhood aesthetics.
  • New York State Department of Environmental Conservation: Offers information on tree care and local ordinances.

North Carolina

  • Raleigh Ordinance Differences: Private trees can be removed without a permit, but trees near sidewalks or public right-of-ways need permission.
  • Urban Forester Role: The Urban Forester can remove private trees that may pose risks to public health or safety.
  • North Carolina Forest Service: Guidance on tree removal, care, and protected species.

North Dakota

  • No Statewide Rules: There are no laws for private tree removal in North Dakota; the responsibility lies with property owners.
  • Bismarck Nuisance Ordinance: The city forester can declare a tree hazardous and demand its removal.
  • North Dakota Forest Service: Offers information on urban forestry and tree removal.

Ohio

  • No Statewide Provisions: Ohio does not regulate tree removal on private property; this responsibility falls to the owner.
  • Columbus and Cleveland Rules: Trees on public sidewalks or adjacent private property may have specific removal requirements.
  • Ohio Department of Natural Resources: Information on tree care and removal guidelines.

Oklahoma

  • No Permit Needed: Oklahoma City does not require permits for private tree removal, but care must be taken to avoid endangering public spaces.
  • Tulsa Tree Rules: No restrictions or permits are needed for private property tree removal in Tulsa.
  • Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food & Forestry: Resources for tree care and removal.

Oregon

  • Salem Heritage Trees: Permits are required for removing heritage trees or those larger than 12 inches in diameter.
  • Diseased Trees Ordinance: Salem officials may remove trees that pose disease threats to others.
  • Oregon Department of Forestry: Provides tree care information and urban forestry programs.

Pennsylvania

  • Philadelphia Overhanging Tree Rules: The city has the right to issue notices and potentially prune or remove overhanging trees on private property.
  • No Private Tree Regulations: Other than overhanging concerns, no special permits are required for tree removal.
  • Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources: Offers forestry information and removal guidelines.

Rhode Island

  • Providence Zoning Ordinance: Trees greater than 32 inches in diameter cannot be removed without city permission.
  • City Forester Rights: The City Forester can remove trees considered to be a public risk.
  • Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management: Provides information on tree care and environmental guidelines.

South Carolina

  • Grand Tree Protection: State law and city codes in Columbia protect grand trees from removal without permission.
  • Replacement Requirements: If a grand tree is removed, there must be a replacement or mitigation plan.
  • South Carolina Forestry Commission: Information on tree regulations and protected species.

South Dakota

  • Sioux Falls Nuisance Control: The city’s forestry director can control trees considered nuisances or hazards.
  • No Private Tree Permit: There are no permit requirements for private property tree removal.
  • South Dakota Department of Agriculture: Provides guidelines on tree care and property management.

Tennessee

  • Nashville Permit Requirements: Permits are required for removing “protected” trees over 6 inches in diameter on larger properties.
  • Replacement Tree Requirement: Removal of protected trees may necessitate replanting or mitigation.
  • Tennessee Department of Agriculture: Offers resources on urban forestry and tree care.

Texas

  • Austin’s Heritage Trees: Trees with a circumference of 60 inches or more require a permit for removal.
  • Dallas Private Tree Rules: Owners are responsible for private trees, and no permits are needed for removal.
  • Texas A&M Forest Service: Provides resources on tree management and regulations.

Utah

  • Heritage Tree Protections: Trees considered “heritage” under the Utah Heritage Tree Act of 1975 cannot be removed without proper permissions.
  • No Salt Lake City Permits: Outside heritage tree rules, private property tree removal does not require a permit.
  • Utah Department of Natural Resources: Information on tree regulations and removal procedures.

Vermont

  • Tree Warden Authority: City wardens can intervene if infestations or hazards are identified on private property.
  • Montpelier Tree Board: Can remove diseased or hazardous trees from private land after notifying the owner.
  • Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation: Offers information on private tree care and state laws.

Virginia

  • Richmond Guidelines: No special permits are needed for private tree removal, as no preservation ordinance passed.
  • Owner Responsibility: Disposal of tree limbs and branches is also the owner’s responsibility.
  • Virginia Department of Forestry: Provides guidance on urban tree care and property management.

Washington

  • No Statewide Regulation: Washington does not regulate private tree removal; rules depend on local city ordinances.
  • Seattle Private Property: No permits are required for tree removal on private land, except for some public right-of-way trees.
  • Washington State Department of Natural Resources: Offers urban forestry information and tree care resources.

Washington, D.C.

  • D.C. Street Trees: A permit is needed to prune or remove any tree located between the sidewalk and curb.
  • Private Property Regulations: Trees larger than 55 inches in circumference require a permit for removal.
  • D.C. Department of Transportation Urban Forestry Division: Offers information on tree permits and urban forestry.

West Virginia

  • No Permit Requirements: There are no specific rules for tree removal on private property in Charleston or throughout West Virginia.
  • Owner’s Responsibility: All care, removal, and disposal responsibilities fall on the property owner.
  • West Virginia Division of Forestry: Provides details on tree management and removal procedures.

Wisconsin

– No Milwaukee Regulations: Milwaukee has no special codes governing the removal of trees on private land.

Owner’s Duty: Tree care and removal must be managed by the property owner to prevent hazards.

Wyoming

  • Tree Owner’s Manual: The Wyoming Forestry Division provides a manual to educate on tree care, including removal protocols.
  • No Permit Needed: No permits or special requirements are necessary for private property tree removal.
  • Wyoming State Forestry Division: Resources on tree care and private property regulations.