Tree removal permit rules in Bowling Green, KY — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Bowling Green Code § 26-8 (Tree Removal) states: 'No person shall remove, cut above the ground or disturb any public tree without approval of the City of Bowling Green except to perform routine maintenance.' Requests for approval go through the City. Removal must include the entire tree and stump, refill the area with soil, re-seed or replant, cause no damage to City or third-party property, and be performed safely. Removal of trees on private property by the owner is not regulated by the City — Kentucky has no statewide private-tree protection law.
Per Bowling Green Code § 26-8 (Tree Removal): a person may not remove, cut above the ground, or disturb any public tree without City approval, except for routine maintenance. 'Requests for approval to perform a tree removal or other major tree work on a public tree shall be obtained by contacting the City.' Standards for approved removals: removal of the entire tree and stump; refilling the area with soil; re-seeding or replanting; no damage to City property or property of third parties; and safe removal without danger or inconvenience to the public. Tree removal companies that work in the City fall under § 26-9. On purely private property, Kentucky has no statewide tree protection ordinance, and Bowling Green does not require a permit to remove a tree on private land — but KRS 364.130 (cutting timber on another's land) imposes treble damages for unauthorized cutting on a neighbor's parcel.
Unauthorized removal or destruction of a public tree is enforceable under § 26-10 (Abatement), § 26-11 (Penalties), and § 26-12 (Enforcement) of Chapter XXVI, and may be referred to the Bowling Green Code Enforcement and Nuisance Board (Code § 2-21). Tree care companies failing to follow § 26-9 face license consequences. Cutting trees on a neighbor's land exposes the cutter to treble damages under KRS 364.130.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Bowling Green, KY
Bowling Green does not have a city-specific wildlife-feeding ordinance, but Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) rules apply citywide. ...
Bowling Green, KY
Under Ordinance BG2019-50 (City Code 15-7 and 15-8.02), Bowling Green permits mobile food units and pushcarts to operate on public rights-of-way only with a ...
Bowling Green, KY
Operating a mobile food unit (food truck) or pushcart on Bowling Green public rights-of-way requires a permit under Ordinance BG2019-50, codified at City Cod...
Bowling Green, KY
Federal law (FAA Part 107 for commercial; 49 U.S.C. § 44809 for recreational) governs the airspace over Bowling Green — the City cannot regulate altitude or ...
Bowling Green, KY
Bowling Green does not require a city permit or business license for a residential garage sale of personal household items. The City Code does not set an exp...
Bowling Green, KY
Bowling Green does not impose a specific time-deadline (e.g., '24 hours after snow stops') for residents to shovel snow off the public sidewalk. Under City C...
See how Bowling Green's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.