Tree Protection in Kirkwood, MO (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Kirkwood, Missouri, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
Kirkwood's Tree Code protects "significant trees," defined as any tree six inches or more in diameter at breast height that is in fair or better condition and is not an invasive or undesirable species. Construction within 10 feet of a significant tree triggers mandatory tree protection measures even on small remodel projects that otherwise skip a full tree study.
Kirkwood Significant Tree Protection Standard
Some RestrictionsKirkwood Code of Ordinances §§ 24-2, 24-4(c)(3)
SIGNIFICANT TREE Any tree six inches in DBH or greater in fair or greater condition, excluding invasive species or "undesirable trees." ... If a project with partial site development does not meet the requirements for providing a tree protection plan listed above, but will include grading or other construction activity/impact within 10 feet of a significant tree and/or City tree, tree protectio...
Protected Tree Species
Kirkwood's Tree Code will not let an invasive or prohibited species count toward a project's required tree canopy. Only trees that are not listed as invasive or on the Tree Manual's prohibited list can be counted as protected canopy trees, and new plantings used to satisfy canopy coverage must come from the City's approved Recommended Species List.
Kirkwood Invasive and Prohibited Tree Species Rule
Some RestrictionsKirkwood Code of Ordinances §§ 24-2, 24-4(d)(3)
INVASIVE Any tree or shrub considered to be foreign or unnatural with the ability to overcome the natural vegetation and expand rapidly throughout the landscape. ... UNDESIRABLE TREE Any tree classified as invasive or a nuisance by the City of Kirkwood. ... (3) All trees designated to be protected or included in the canopy requirements shall be of a species not listed as a prohibited species in...
Parkway Planting
Planting a tree in the parkway strip along a Kirkwood street requires a "permit to plant" from the Urban Forester under § 24-3(c)(3) of the Tree Code; approved plantings must follow the City's Tree Manual and are exempt from a separate excavation permit. Public trees are defined as those within the City's paved rights-of-way, excluding park trees.
Kirkwood Parkway Tree Planting Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsKirkwood Code of Ordinances § 24-3(c)(3)
Permit to plant. If a property owner desires to plant a tree in the City right-of-way adjacent to their property, the property owner shall file a permit to plant application. If approved, the following applies: a. Upon approval, the applicant shall follow all laws and regulations pertaining to excavation by the state of Missouri; b. By obtaining a permit to plant, the permittee shall be exempt ...
Looking for St. Louis County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Kirkwood city rules.
Tree Protection in St. Louis County →