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

Caldwell distinguishes sharply between public and private trees. Public trees, generally those in parks, on city property, or in the right-of-way/parkstrip, are protected under Caldwell City Code Chapter 10, Article 8. Section 10-08-11 provides that any person who removes, destroys, or damages a public tree, except as otherwise required by law, must replace that tree with tree(s) of equivalent dollar value on public property, unless the City Forester determines otherwise. The ordinance includes permit procedures for individuals (Section 10-08-14) so residents can obtain authorization before working on or removing a public tree, and licensing requirements for commercial tree services (Section 10-08-12). Hazardous or obstructing trees may be declared nuisances and abated; the City Forester or Director may order immediate abatement of a tree that threatens a person or property. For trees located entirely on private property, the Tree Ordinance's public-tree permit and replacement requirements generally do not apply, though removal still must avoid creating a nuisance and must comply with any landscaping conditions tied to an approved development plan. When a tree straddles or sits in the right-of-way, treat it as a public tree and contact Caldwell Forestry first.