Tree Protection in Cleveland, OH (2026)
2 verified tree protection rules for Cleveland, Ohio, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Protected Tree Species
Cleveland Codified Ordinances §§ 509.16-509.17 target Dutch Elm disease and Elm Blight specifically, giving the Commissioner of Shade Trees power to inspect any suspect tree and order it removed and burned. Public trees are destroyed immediately; private owners get only 5 days' notice before the City removes the tree and bills them.
Cleveland Dutch Elm Disease Control Rules
Heavy RestrictionsCleveland Codified Ordinances §§ 509.16-509.17 (Control of Elm Disease; Inspection and Destruction of Diseased Trees)
Council finds and determines that the Dutch Elm disease and the virus disease Phloem Necrosis commonly known as Elm Blight threaten shade trees in the streets and public grounds and places of the City, and that in order to preserve such trees it is necessary to discover and control these diseases. ... If such tree is located on private property, the Commissioner shall immediately serve upon the...
Parkway Planting
Cleveland Codified Ordinances § 509.13 requires a written permit from the Director of Public Properties before anyone plants a shade tree in the public highway, including the treelawn strip between curb and sidewalk. Plantings of more than 25 trees on one permit need a detailed planting plan showing species, spacing and soil conditions.
Cleveland Street Tree Planting Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsCleveland Codified Ordinances § 509.13 (Tree Planting Permit; Planting Plan)
No person, firm or corporation shall plant or set out any shade tree ... in or on any part of any public highway within the City, without first obtaining from the Director of Public Properties a written permit to do so or without complying in all respects with the conditions set forth in such written permit.
Looking for Cuyahoga County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Cleveland city rules.
Tree Protection in Cuyahoga County →