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

Idaho Falls' Community Forestry chapter (City Code Title 8, Chapter 9) draws a clear line between private and public trees. A 'PRIVATE TREE' is any tree that is not a public tree (8-9-2); the chapter regulates pruning of private trees only when the City Forester directs abatement of a hazard, pest, or clearance problem, and section 8-9-14 (tree topping) expressly states it 'shall not be construed to regulate Private Trees.' By contrast, section 8-9-9 makes it unlawful, without first obtaining written permission from the Director or City Forester, to prune, cut, or remove any portion of a public tree, or to plant any street tree. The City may require a cash bond conditioned on stump removal within thirty days. Section 8-9-12 lists prohibited abuses of public trees, including injuring, defacing, or destroying them. Dead or diseased trees can be declared a public nuisance under 8-9-15 (notably Dutch elm disease and infested elm material, plus any tree whose roots create a sidewalk hazard), triggering the abatement and appeal process in 8-9-16 through 8-9-18. If you hire a tree-service company to remove a tree, that company must hold a current City license (8-9-8). For a tree in the public right-of-way or planting strip, contact City Parks/Forestry before any removal.