Auburn, AL Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

The City of Auburn draws a clear line between private and public trees. "Trees on private property are not regulated by the City of Auburn," meaning a homeowner generally does not need a city permit to cut down a tree growing entirely on their own land. The regulated category is trees in the public right-of-way (street trees): "if the tree is located on City right of way, you must obtain a Street Tree Permit for any removal or pruning." If a resident requests removal of a city-owned street tree, the City requires a Tree Risk Assessment first: "Tree Risk Assessment must be requested and conducted before a Street Tree Removal Permit is issued." The assessment follows ISA standards, evaluating crown, branch, trunk and root defects. Trees found to be extreme risk are removed immediately; high-risk trees are monitored annually; low- and medium-risk trees are generally retained unless they pose a demonstrable danger. Tree replacement for removed street trees is conducted during the dormant season and completed by February 1. Auburn's tree work falls under the Municipal Tree Ordinance (Ordinance #1875), which governs maintenance, protection, removal and replacement of trees on public property and establishes Tree Commission duties. Note: a separate proposed update that would extend some tree rules to private property has been discussed but is distinct from the current ordinance, so verify current private-property rules with the City before removing significant trees.