Little Rock, AR Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Little Rock, AR, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- First-year dieback
- Replace one-for-one
- After year one
- Replace per tree credit chart
- ROW tree removal
- Replace within 6 months
- Min. replacement caliper
- 3 in. (50%), 4 in. balance
- Enforcement
- City official, Sec. 15-7
Summary
Little Rock requires required or preserved trees that die or are removed to be replaced, either one-for-one within the first year or by a credit-based formula after that.
Any landscaping materials or preserved or required trees that die within one year of planting shall be replaced one (1) for one (1) by the responsible party unless additional trees are required to be planted to meet the spacing requirements of this chapter in effect on the date of the most recent approved landscape plan. After one (1) year of planting, any trees that die shall be replaced in accordance with the tree credits set forth in this section. Trees that are destroyed or removed by act or consent of the responsible party shall be replaced in accordance with the tree credits set forth in this section. Replacement shall occur as soon as reasonably possible in accordance with the approved landscape plan and good horticultural practices and in compliance with this chapter.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 83).
Full Breakdown
Under the city's landscape and tree protection chapter, required or preserved trees that die within one year of planting must be replaced one-for-one by the responsible party. After that first year, and for any required or preserved tree destroyed or removed by the responsible party's act or consent, replacement is governed by the tree credit chart in Sec. 15-52 (for example, a preserved tree of 6 to 12 inches DBH credits toward 3 required replacement trees). Right-of-way trees removed under a Sec. 15-51 cutting permit must be replaced within six months with stock meeting Article IV specifications. Replacement trees themselves must be at least 3 inches in caliper (50 percent) with the balance at 4 inches or greater.
Violations & Fines
The city official can issue a written notice of violation, and noncompliance can trigger a stop-work order, citation, and revocation or withholding of building permits and the certificate of occupancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Little Rock require replacing a required tree that dies?
How long do I have to replace a removed right-of-way tree?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Little Rock
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