Tree Protection in Mobile, AL: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Mobile or are thinking about moving there, tree protection are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Mobile has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of tree protection, and some of them might surprise you.

Tree Removal Permits

Mobile's Tree Code under MCO Chapter 57 protects significant trees on public right-of-way and certain private development sites, requiring a permit from the Urban Forestry coordinator before removing protected trees.

Key details: Code chapter: MCO Chapter 57. Heritage threshold: 24 inch live oak. ROW trees: Always protected. Designation: Tree City USA.

Removing a protected tree without a permit triggers replacement requirements based on caliper inches plus civil fines that can exceed 1,000 dollars for heritage live oaks.

Heritage & Protected Trees

Mobile's iconic live oaks 24 inches and larger receive heritage tree protection under MCO Chapter 57, with strict replacement standards and the designated Champion Tree program tracking the largest specimens citywide.

Key details: Threshold: 24 inch DBH live oak. Program: Mobile Champion Tree. Construction protection: Root zone fencing. Replacement basis: Caliper inches removed.

Killing or unpermitted removal of a heritage live oak can draw fines exceeding 1,000 dollars per tree plus replacement costs that often run several thousand dollars.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Mobile actively enforces its heritage & protected trees requirements.

Tree Replacement Requirements

When protected trees must be removed in Mobile, MCO Chapter 57 requires replacement plantings calculated by caliper inches lost, paid in-kind on site or as fee-in-lieu into the city's tree fund.

Key details: Basis: Caliper inches removed. Approved species: Native Gulf Coast list. Alternative: Fee-in-lieu to tree fund. Warranty: One growing season minimum.

Failing to install required replacements or pay fee-in-lieu blocks final inspection and certificate of occupancy and can lead to civil enforcement against the developer.

The Bottom Line

Mobile's tree protection rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Mobile is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Mobile can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.