Elyria, OH Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Section 553.06 of the Elyria Codified Ordinances governs removal of trees on the tree lawn and other public places in the City of Elyria. Under division (c), any property owner can request a permit from the City Urban Forester to remove a healthy tree from the tree lawn. If the permit is granted, the owner is responsible for the entire cost of removing the tree, including the stump, together with the cost of replanting a new tree under § 553.05(a). If the City Urban Forester mandates it, the owner must have the tree removed by a tree maintenance contractor who is registered with the City at the time of removal. The cost of repair or restoration of any lateral line or sidewalks is borne by the property owner. If repair of the lateral shows that the root flair impinges on the lateral, the City Urban Forester, in conjunction with the Engineering Department, can order the tree removed.

Division (d) runs the other direction. The City Urban Forester orders, at the City's expense, the removal of any tree, shrub or plant from the tree lawn that he or she determines to be an inappropriate species for the location or hazardous to life or property. Under § 553.01(b)(4), the city also has the right to remove any dead, diseased or insect-infested tree or tree limbs that constitute a hazard to life or property.

Several related rules apply. Section 553.05(a) requires a permit from the City Urban Forester before anyone plants, cuts, trims or treats a tree or shrub on a public way, tree lawn, street, alley or City property, with no fee charged. Section 553.06(b) bars destroying or mutilating any tree, shrub or other plant in a tree lawn or public place. Appeals of an Urban Forester decision go to the Tree Board under § 553.09: a written appeal received by the Safety Service Director's Office within ten business days of mailing of the decision, and Tree Board decisions are final.