Bozeman, MT Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Bozeman, MT, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Yes, before removing a public tree or shrub
- Decision by
- City forester
- Appeal path
- Board with jurisdiction, then City Commission
- Who pays
- Requester pays removal cost and tree value
- Licensee permit notice
- At least 48 hours before work
- Private hazard order
- Not less than 15 days to abate
Summary
In the City of Bozeman, Montana, no person can remove a tree or shrub in the public area without first obtaining a permit and paying the fee set by City Commission resolution. The city forester decides removal requests, and the person requesting removal pays the removal cost and the value of the tree.
1.Removing.a.No person shall remove a tree or shrub without first obtaining a permit and paying any permit fee established by resolution of the city commission. ... c.Any person may make a request to the city forester for a tree to be removed. The city forester's decision to approve removal of a tree shall be based on its detriment to the community due to disease, insect damage or other damage which creates a hazard to the public health, safety and welfare. Any person aggrieved by the city forester's decision to remove or not remove the tree may then apply to the appropriate board having jurisdiction over the public area to overturn the city forester's decision, except when the city forester determines the tree to be a hazard. The person may appeal the board's decision to remove or not remove the tree to the city commission. d.If said tree is to be removed, full compensation for the cost of removal and the value of the tree will be paid by the persons requesting removal.
Full Breakdown
Bozeman Municipal Code § 16.05.330.A.1 governs removal of trees and shrubs in the public area, which § 16.05.300 defines as Sunset Hills Cemetery, public ways, city parks and all other lands owned, leased, managed or occupied by the city. The opening rule is flat: no person shall remove a tree or shrub without first obtaining a permit and paying any permit fee established by resolution of the City Commission.
Anyone can ask the city forester to remove a tree. The forester's decision to approve removal rests on the tree's detriment to the community due to disease, insect damage or other damage that creates a hazard to public health, safety and welfare. A person aggrieved by the decision to remove or not remove can apply to the board having jurisdiction over the public area, and can then appeal the board's decision to the City Commission. The exception is a tree the forester determines to be a hazard, where the board step does not apply.
Money follows the request. If the tree is to be removed, full compensation for the cost of removal and the value of the tree is paid by the persons requesting removal. Trees and shrubs marked for removal must be completely removed from the growing site and disposed of in an authorized manner, and the stump must be ground out to a depth suitable for future planting of turf (§ 16.05.330.A.1.b).
Contractors face extra steps. A tree service business needs ISA certification or an equivalent and a city license, and a licensee must apply for a permit at least 48 hours before any work on a tree in a public area, except in the case of a hazard (§ 16.05.360.E). Stumps on public rights-of-way must be removed to a depth of at least eight inches (§ 16.05.360.G).
Trees on private premises are reached differently. Under § 16.05.340.C, when the city forester finds a tree in a hazardous condition or a public nuisance on private premises, the forester issues a written order with a time to abate of not less than 15 days, and the owner can appeal to the City Commission.
Violations & Fines
Removing a public tree without a permit breaks § 16.05.330.A.1.a. In addition to any penalty, the court shall order restitution to the city for each tree or part of a tree unlawfully damaged, destroyed or removed (§ 16.05.370.C). Section 1.01.210 sets the general misdemeanor penalty at a fine not exceeding $500.00, imprisonment not exceeding six months, or both. A private owner who ignores a hazard order faces abatement by the forester, with the reasonable cost filed as a lien against the property (§ 16.05.340.D).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a street tree in front of my house?
What if the forester denies my request?
Who pays for removal?
What happens to a dangerous tree on private property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bozeman
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