Stark County, OH Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Stark County, OH, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Private-yard tree
- No county permit
- Right-of-way planting permit
- $5 (Ord. 917.04)
- Tree-work business license
- $100/year (Ord. 917.09)
- Contractor bond
- $5,000 performance bond
- Topping fine
- $150 + 3 replacement trees
Summary
You need no county permit to remove a tree in your own yard. In Canton, planting or replacing a tree in the city right-of-way needs a $5 permit, and anyone in the tree-cutting business must hold a $100 city license.
No person, firm or corporation shall engage in the business of cutting, pruning, treating or removing trees within the City until... issued a valid license by the City of Canton... The fee to obtain an annual license for cutting, treating, pruning, or removing trees is one hundred dollars ($100.00).
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Stark County issues no tree-removal permits for private property. In Canton, permitting attaches to the public right-of-way and to commercial tree work. Ordinance 917.04 requires an adjacent owner who plants or replaces a street tree in the right-of-way to file an application and obtain a $5 permit. Ordinance 917.09 bars anyone from the business of cutting, pruning or removing trees in the city without a valid annual license costing $100, plus a $5,000 performance bond and liability insurance; ISA certification is required. Tree "topping" is separately banned under 917.08, carrying a $150 fine plus replacement of the tree with three new trees.
Violations & Fines
Chapter 917 penalty: up to $150 per violation, each day a separate offense; unlawful topping adds a $150 fine plus removal costs and three replacement trees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove my own backyard tree?
Does my tree-service contractor need a license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Stark County
Compare Stark County to another location·View the Ohio landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.