St. Louis County, MO Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in St. Louis County, MO, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Stumps
- Allowed to remain
- Cut limbs
- Must be removed
- City rules
- Often stricter
Summary
St. Louis County's Property Maintenance Code does not require removal of tree stumps after a tree is cut, so leaving a stump is not a code violation. However, limbs and other cut tree portions must be removed under §1110.302.7.
St. Louis County's Property Maintenance Code does not require the removal of a tree stump from private property after a tree has been cut, and, therefore it is not a violation of the ordinance if a tree stump remains on the property. Limbs, and other cut portions of the tree, however, must be removed.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 85 | Traffic: Supplement 80).
Full Breakdown
Unlike many counties, St. Louis County does not have a heritage-tree ordinance for unincorporated areas. Tree removal on private property generally does not require a county permit. Cut trees and shrubs left on the ground are a public nuisance under §1120.020 and must be removed. Fallen ROW trees are the responsibility of the adjacent landowner. Cities (Clayton, Ladue, Frontenac) often have their own heritage tree protections.
Violations & Fines
Notice of Violation for unabated limbs/debris; up to $1,000 fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to cut down a tree in my yard?
Can I leave the stump?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Louis County
Compare St. Louis County to another location·View the Missouri landscaping rules overview
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