Every state’s city has distinct regulations for tree removal. This difference arises due to the unique ecosystem, climate, and flora specific to each city. The species of trees under protection in Florida differ significantly from those safeguarded by laws in Arizona.
Below is a list of links to tree removal ordinances in each state and city.
Some have summaries, others are links to your city’s Tree Preservation Ordinance. In it, you will find all the answers related to tree removal laws and whether you need a permit to remove a tree on your property.
In Alaska, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to trim any tree on your property that is coming in contact with power or telephone cables. According to the Anchorage Tree Ordinance, like most other states, you can remove dead or dangerous trees without a permit if they are deemed a hazard to persons or property. They recommend using a local certified arborist for the job.
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In most cities in Alabama, there is no specific mention of trees on private property in their tree ordinance, which in most cases means you can trim or remove any tree on your property. Each city has its own set of rules, so be sure to refer to your local tree ordinance before going ahead with the removal. Local tree services in your area are all up to date with the local land clearing laws and will be able to quickly tell you if your tree needs a permit before removal. The state of Alabama has 7 trees they consider invasive such as the Tallow tree or the Japanese Privet. These can be removed without a permit.
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Arkansas is a state that has strict and clear tree protection and removal laws. The city has its own state tree, which is Loblolly Pine. Additionally, the state has several invasive trees, such as the Japanese Honeysuckle, which can be removed without a permit. In this city, you are free to remove any invasive trees without a permit. In case there is a dead or dangerous tree, the city can also remove or notify you to remove it. Checking laws in other cities will enable you to know better since they may vary.
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According to the city of Arizona, you can generally remove any dangerous or dead trees without a permit. The state, however, protects trees, and as a result, there are 44 tree species listed as endangered and 21 threatened species. However, different cities in the state of Arizona have some variations in their tree laws. Refer to city laws to find out more.
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In California, there are up to 18 state forests. As a result, the state is very serious about the protection of trees. According to the California state ordinance, it is generally okay to remove dead or dangerous trees without a permit. However, for trees that are close to power lines, the owner must find professionals to do the work. Since the state of California has up to 75 endangered trees, they are protected from removal. There is only 1 invasive tree, which is Blue Gum or the Mexican Fan Palm. Refer to local laws to find specific information on various cities. For example, in the city of El Centro, you will require a permit in case your trees are coming into contact with electric wires.
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In the city of Longmont, Colorado, it is unlawful to remove or damage trees on the city property like in many other cities. If found guilty, you will be penalized or prosecuted. Since Colorado has 7 and 9 endangered and threatened tree species, respectively, the laws on these trees are strict. Generally, a permit is not required to remove any trees deemed as a danger or dead. For many states, private trees are the owner’s responsibility and can be removed. In some cases, an exception is made where there are heritage trees. Make sure to check the laws in your city.
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The city of Bristol does not mention any tree removal permits required to remove trees on private land. However, for you to remove trees on public or city property, you must obtain a permit. For the state of Connecticut, a permit is not required to remove trees that are deemed dangerous or dead. Checking various city laws will help you understand more. The state focuses a lot on protecting trees such as endangered species, which are 5 and 1 threatened tree. Connecticut also has 53 invasive species that can be removed without a permit, such as the Tree of Heaven and Norway Maple.
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Generally, you will not need any permit to remove a tree deemed dangerous or dead, especially on your property in the District of Columbia. Although some cities may have small differences, checking city tree laws will shine more light. For invasive trees, you do not need to obtain a permit as well. The state government does not protect trees that are privately owned unless they are heritage trees.
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Delaware is a state with very serious regulations on work on trees. Having 3 endangered and 7 threatened species, these trees and those on public land are protected. According to a city like Milford, trees protected, such as heritage trees, are protected and require a removal permit. However, generally, you will not need a permit to remove trees that are either dead or dangerous in the state of Delaware. You can also remove invasive trees without the need for a permit. Other city’s tree laws give more information.
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Florida has a total of 91 invasive tree species. An example is the Brazilian Pepper and the Australian Pine. You are allowed to remove all the invasive trees without a permit. However, the state of Florida has a tree ordinance to protect the most important trees. It has 39 endangered tree species such as Beargrass and Bellflower and 11 threatened tree species. Generally, you can remove invasive trees or those deemed dangerous or dead without obtaining a permit. In the city of Jupiter, for example, you do not need a permit to remove a tree on your property, especially if you are living in an area with a Homeowners Association (HOA).
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Southern Live Oak is the state tree for Georgia. The state has clear regulations on tree works to protect its trees. Additionally, the state of Georgia has 19 endangered trees and 8 threatened ones. Generally, you are allowed to remove any trees deemed a danger to the public or dead. Many cities have similarities in their laws. In Kingsland, once you have obtained a permit to remove a protected tree, you are required to clear all the debris as well. Invasive trees do not require a permit to be removed in Georgia.
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In Hawaii, invasive trees can be removed without obtaining a permit. The only listed invasive tree in Hawaii is the Umbrella tree. However, when it comes to dead or any dangerous trees, these are trees that can harm the public, even by interfering with electric wires, you can generally remove them without the need for a permit. Checking tree laws in different cities offers further information. In Kihei, for example, there is no mention of a permit when removing trees from private properties, but street trees are protected by the Department of Public Works.
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For Mason city, there is no mention of the need to get a permit to remove trees on private property. However, you will need a permit to remove any trees growing on public lands such as streets and parks. Protected trees also need a permit. In Iowa, there are 5 threatened tree species. Mostly you do not need a permit to remove any tree posing a danger to the public. This applies to dead ones. Invasive trees as well.
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In Idaho, there are up to 40 invasive trees that can be removed without a permit. An example of this is the Small Leaf Privet. Additionally, trees that become a danger or hazard by either being dead, structurally unsafe or infested, can be removed without a permit. Many cities in Idaho have similar regulations.
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Illinois is a state with 1 endangered, and 8 threatened tree species. The strict tree rules and regulations in this state make it possible to protect such trees, among others. However, the state also considers trees that may be a threat to the public. This is why you can remove any tree deemed dangerous or dead without the need for a permit. Additionally, there are 26 invasive tree species in Illinois that also can be removed without a permit. A city like Rock Island County requires its residents to report any hazardous trees on public land for quick action.
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Taking a look at the cities in Indiana, you will realize that most of them do not have specific information on the removal of trees on private property. Nevertheless, there are clear guidelines on the removal of trees from public land, endangered, and those listed as threatened tree species. When it comes to invasive trees such as the Japanese Honeysuckle and 37 others found in Indiana, no permit is required. The same case applies to dangerous trees. Kokomo City, for example, focuses on public and protected trees.
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The number of trees in Kentucky is high hence the need for protection. In the city of Louisville, public trees are protected. However, if there is a right course, or the trees are a threat, then a permit is provided for removal. In cases where the tree is privately owned and is a threat, in most cities in Kentucky, you do not need a permit to remove it. For any invasive trees in Kentucky, feel free to remove them even without a permit.
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In Derby and other cities in Kansas, the removal of dead or dangerous trees does not require a permit. However, in case you do not remove a dangerous tree, in Derby City, the city may either remove or make you remove it. Kansas is a state with 2 threatened trees and other protected ones. For its 27 invasive trees, you are free to remove them without obtaining a permit. Check specific tree laws for your city for more details.
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Louisiana has 14 invasive trees, including the Chinese privet, and all of them can be removed without a tree removal permit. For any trees deemed as a threat to the public generally can be removed without obtaining a permit. However, protected trees require a permit. For example, in Morgan City, designated and heritage trees require you to obtain a permit before removal.
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You will find 2 endangered trees and 1 threatened tree species in Massachusetts. For invasive ones, there are 27 tree species, including the Common Buckthorn. Generally, it is okay to remove invasive and dangerous trees without a permit in most of the cities in Massachusetts. For the city of Greenfield, there is nothing about trees on private land, but those on public property are protected.
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Tree laws in Maryland do not allow the removal of protected trees. However, in cases where a tree becomes a danger to the public, a permit is not required in many cities. For a case where it is an invasive tree, and the state has 4 invasive tree species, a permit is not required. Tree laws may vary slightly from one city to the other. For Baltimore, as long as you are not interfering with other natural resources or public utilities, you are free to remove trees on private property.
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In most of the cities in Maine, there is no specific mention of removing trees on private property. For Augusta city, a permit is required when removing or working on trees on public land or are protected. For all the trees that are deemed dangerous in Maine state, generally, you will not need a permit to remove them. For invasive ones such as the Black Jetbead, you also do not need a permit. Remember that there are a few variations in city laws.
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Michigan has 2 endangered and 3 threatened tree species, which are well-protected by the state tree ordinances. 4 different invasive tree species can be removed without a permit. In Washington, natural resources such as parks, recreation centers, and street trees are protected. However, any tree species that becomes a threat to the public or other trees can be removed without the need for a permit.
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In Minnesota, the Black locust and the Siberian elm are the most invasive tree species. With the state having a total of 7 invasive tree species, you are allowed to remove the trees without acquiring any permit. Another case is when trees are declared a danger to the public. This also includes dead trees. For the city of Red Wing, you will need a permit to remove any protected trees. No mention of private trees. Laws vary from one city to the other.
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Like many states, trees growing on public land in Missouri are protected and require a removal permit. For those that are invasive, a permit is not necessary. This applies to dead or dangerous tree species as well in many cities. If the tree is on public land, you might have to get a permit to remove it. In Jackson City, when a tree is dead, the city can remove or cause the removal of that tree even if it is on private property.
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