Fairfield, CT Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Article II of Chapter 91, Planting, Removing or Pruning Trees and Shrubs, puts every tree and shrub within the limits of a public street under the Tree Warden's control. Section 91-6 bars any person from planting, removing, or pruning such a tree or shrub without first getting a written permit, and § 91-7 requires the application to state the size, species, type, and location or proposed location of the tree or shrub, letting the Tree Warden weigh the effect on the present and future use, safety, maintenance, and improvement of the public streets before granting or denying it; the Tree Warden may also charge a reasonable application fee.

Section 91-8 lets the Tree Warden attach conditions and limitations to any permit issued, which the permittee must then observe. If someone plants or removes a tree or shrub without a permit, or breaks the conditions of a permit that was issued, § 91-9 gives the Tree Warden power to order the person who did the work, or the property owner where it happened, to remove or replace the tree or shrub at their own expense. If that person fails to comply within 30 days of the order, the Tree Warden may have the work done and charge the expense to whoever was ordered to act.

Because the permit requirement is tied to the public street's limits, it reaches trees standing in the Town right-of-way, including the strip in front of a private lot, rather than trees planted well inside private property away from the street.