Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Landscaping Rules
Permit requirements for removing trees on private property, protected and significant tree thresholds, replacement planting standards, and the penalties for unpermitted removal.
How Tree Removal & Heritage Trees Rules Differ by Place
Marana, AZ: Marana Tree Removal and Native Plant Permits
Heavy RestrictionsRemoving protected native plants including saguaro cacti, ironwood, and palo verde trees requires a permit from the Arizona Department of Agriculture under ARS 3-904. Marana Land…
Oro Valley, AZ: Oro Valley Tree Removal & Native Plant Protection
Heavy RestrictionsSaguaro, ironwood, and other species protected under ARS 3-904 require state permits before removal. Development projects must submit Native Plant Preservation Plans.
Pima County, AZ: Pima County Tree and Native Plant Removal Permits
Heavy RestrictionsPima County Code Ch. 18.72 requires permits for native plant removal during development. ARS 3-904 makes destroying saguaro, ironwood, or palo verde without an ADA permit a Class 4…
Goodyear, AZ: Goodyear Tree Removal Rules
Few RestrictionsGoodyear has no heritage tree ordinance. The Zoning Administrator may authorize tree removal for safety reasons. Property owners can generally remove trees on private lots. HOAs may…
Surprise, AZ: Surprise Tree Removal Rules
Few RestrictionsSurprise does not have a heritage tree ordinance or strict tree removal permit requirement for private property. However, trees within the public right-of-way require city permission…
Yavapai County, AZ: Yavapai County Tree Removal Rules
Few RestrictionsYavapai County has no countywide tree-removal permit ordinance for private property. Removal of native trees on state or federal land requires permits from the Arizona Department of…
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees Rules by State
Statewide law governs this topic in many states. Each entry links to that state's full page.
Arizona
Some RestrictionsArizona protects native trees such as ironwood, mesquite, and palo verde under the Native Plant Law, requiring state permits and notice before removal even on private residential…
Arkansas
Heavy RestrictionsArkansas statutes impose statewide civil and criminal liability for unlawfully cutting trees on another's land, including treble or double damages and protections for trees on…
Connecticut
Heavy RestrictionsConnecticut law requires public hearings and warden approval before removal of any public shade tree larger than minimal size. This statewide procedure applies uniformly in every town…
Florida
Few RestrictionsFlorida Statute 163.045 prohibits cities and counties from requiring permits, fees, or replanting when a residential homeowner removes a tree documented by a certified arborist or…
Hawaii
Heavy RestrictionsHawaii's Exceptional Tree Act protects designated exceptional trees statewide. Removing, destroying, or damaging an exceptional tree without county arborist approval is prohibited…
Kentucky
Few RestrictionsKentucky imposes no statewide private tree removal permit requirement, with the Right-to-Farm Act protecting timber operations from local nuisance restrictions.
Maryland
Some RestrictionsThe Maryland Forest Conservation Act requires permits and reforestation plans for clearing forested areas of 40,000 square feet or more during development. Local jurisdictions…
Massachusetts
Heavy RestrictionsMGL Chapter 87 mandates a public hearing and tree warden approval before removing any public shade tree, with specific procedures protecting larger trees and creating statewide minimum…
New Hampshire
Some RestrictionsNew Hampshire RSA 79 governs timber harvesting statewide through the timber tax system. Landowners must file an Intent to Cut for commercial harvests, and the state preempts…
North Carolina
Few RestrictionsNorth Carolina local governments cannot impose standalone tree replacement mandates on private property without specific legislative authorization, though replacement rules tied to…
Oregon
Few RestrictionsOn forestland, the Oregon Forest Practices Act (ORS Chapter 527) preempts local tree-cutting regulation. ORS 527.722 prohibits cities and counties from adopting rules governing forest…
Rhode Island
Some RestrictionsRhode Island law protects public shade trees on highway rights-of-way. RIGL 2-14 prohibits removal or substantial damage to public trees without written permission from the local tree…
South Dakota
Few RestrictionsSouth Dakota has NO statewide tree-removal permit, diameter threshold, or replacement-tree mandate for private residential property. Tree-removal regulation is entirely delegated to…
Virginia
Some RestrictionsAny Virginia locality may require tree replacement during land development under Section 15.2-961, but broader tree-canopy conservation ordinances under Section 15.2-961.1 are limited…
Washington
Heavy RestrictionsWashington's Forest Practices Act (RCW 76.09) governs commercial timber harvest on forestlands statewide through Department of Natural Resources permits. Cities cannot regulate…
West Virginia
Heavy RestrictionsWest Virginia imposes treble (triple) damages for cutting, damaging, or carrying away trees, timber, or growing plants from another person's land without written permission, under the…
Cities & Counties with Tree Removal & Heritage Trees Rules
584 locations
Alabama
Arizona
California
Other Landscaping Rules Topics
Tree Trimming
Rules about trimming trees that overhang sidewalks, streets, or neighboring properties, and when you need permission to prune city trees.
Weed Ordinances
Requirements to keep weeds and grass below a set height, the numeric limits (commonly 8 to 12 inches), abatement notices, and the liens cities can place after mowing it themselves.
Water Restrictions
Watering schedules, drought restrictions, and limits on outdoor irrigation including which days and times you can water your lawn.
Rainwater Harvesting
Whether you can collect rainwater, how much you can store, and any permits or tank size restrictions for residential rain barrels and cisterns.
Native Plants
Incentives or requirements for using native and drought-tolerant plants in your landscaping, and rules about replacing traditional lawns.
Artificial Turf
Rules about installing synthetic grass, including whether it counts toward water-saving rebates and any HOA or city restrictions.
Composting
Rules for backyard composting bins and piles plus curbside organics, bin requirements, allowed materials, setbacks, pest control, and any mandated diversion programs.