Hartford, CT Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Hartford, CT, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- DBH trigger
- 4 inches or more
- Legacy Tree multiplier
- 4x standard replacement
- Maintenance period
- 5 years
- Payment destination
- Hartford Tree Account
- Valuation guide
- ISA Guide for Plant Appraisal
Summary
Hartford requires anyone who removes a public or private tree with a 4-inch DBH or more to replace it under one of three City Forester-approved options, or pay into the Hartford Tree Account.
A property owner or other person responsible for the removal of any Tree with DBH of four (4) inches or more, whether public or private, may be required to replace such Tree, at the discretion of the City Forester, and if so, such person or persons shall also follow the provisions of this Section.(b)The acceptable methods of replacement for a Tree other than a Legacy Tree are:(1)Replacement of the Tree with a Tree of equal or greater DBH at the location of the Tree being replaced or at a different location identified or approved by the City Forester;(2)An inch-for-inch replacement of the Tree with a number of replacement Trees with DBH of two (2) inches or more totaling the DBH of the original Tree at a location or locations identified or approved by the City Forester. For example, if a Tree with a DBH of twenty-four (24) inches is removed, it may be replaced with six (6) Trees with DBHs of four (4) inches; or(3)A payment to the Hartford Tree Account, established in Section 28-164 of this Article, in the amount of the Tree's assessed value.
Full Breakdown
Sec. 28-162 lets the City Forester require replacement whenever a tree, public or private, with a DBH of 4 inches or more is removed. Owners may plant one replacement tree of equal or greater DBH, plant enough smaller trees to match the removed tree's DBH inch-for-inch, or pay the Hartford Tree Account the tree's assessed value using the ISA Guide for Plant Appraisal. A Legacy Tree requires four times that replacement in trees or payment. Replacement trees must be maintained, and re-replaced if they die, for five years from planting.
Violations & Fines
Failing to replace a qualifying removed tree, or letting a required replacement die within five years without re-planting it, is a separate violation under Sec. 28-165 carrying a fine of $250 per tree, with each day of noncompliance a new offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are my options for replacing a removed tree in Hartford?
Does removing a Legacy Tree require extra replacement in Hartford?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hartford
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