Caldwell, ID Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Under the Caldwell Tree Ordinance, Caldwell City Code § 10-02-10-7, public trees and shrubs cannot be removed without written authorization of the City Forester and the Planning and Zoning Department. Subsection (7)(B), Tree Removal and Trimming Permit Required, extends that permit requirement to trimming, cutting and pruning, not just outright removal, whenever the work happens in the public right of way; the controller (the responsible property occupant) must obtain a tree removal permit from the City Forester and call Digline at (208) 342-1585 before removal or planting begins.

The City Forester or another staff representative inspects the completed work for compliance, and all removal costs are borne by the applicant. There is no fee to apply for a tree or shrub planting or removal permit itself. Permits are granted under § 10-02-10-7(E) where the tree or shrub is diseased or a disease host, harbors injurious insects or pathogens, is dying or dead and a safety hazard, interferes with overhead utility lines, causes an unresolved vision-triangle sight obstruction, or for any other reason the City Forester deems appropriate.

Removal of a stump must leave no stump or main root system above ground, be cut to eight inches below grade, with any required grinding completed within two weeks of removal.