Tree Protection in St. Louis, MO (2026)
5 verified tree protection rules for St. Louis, Missouri, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal Permits
St. Louis manages public trees through the Forestry Division. Street trees are city property, and their removal or pruning requires authorization from the Forestry Division. On private property, tree removal is generally not regulated outside of development review. However, the city's zoning code may require tree preservation as part of site plan approval for larger projects. Dead or hazardous private trees must be maintained by the property owner.
St. Louis Tree Removal Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsHeritage & Protected Trees
St. Louis does not have a formal heritage tree registry with legal protections. The city values its mature urban canopy but does not have an ordinance specifically designating or protecting landmark trees. Significant trees may receive consideration during development review. The Forestry Division manages public trees and replaces those lost to disease, age, or construction. Forest Park and Tower Grove Park contain notable specimen trees.
St. Louis Heritage & Protected Tree Rules
Few RestrictionsTree Replacement Requirements
The St. Louis Forestry Division replaces public trees that are removed due to disease, damage, or construction. The city plants thousands of trees per year through its reforestation program. Private developers may be required to include replacement trees as part of landscape plans during site review. The loss of ash trees to Emerald Ash Borer has driven significant replanting with diverse species throughout the city.
St. Louis Tree Replacement Requirements
Some RestrictionsParkway Planting
Title XX places street trees in the public right-of-way under the Forestry Division. Property owners abut but do not own parkway trees; planting, pruning, and removal require a city forestry permit and approved species list.
Parkway & Street Trees
Heavy RestrictionsUrban Forest Equity
St. Louis canopy averages 27% citywide but drops below 20% in north-side neighborhoods like Wells-Goodfellow and Hyde Park. The Forestry Division and Climate Action Plan target equity-focused planting funded by federal Inflation Reduction Act dollars.