Portland, ME Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Portland, ME, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Ch. 29, Art. II Trees (public places)
- Permit authority
- City Arborist, Dept. of Parks & Public Works
- Covered acts
- Plant, spray, fertilize, prune, remove, cut
- Completion notice
- 5 days after work finishes (§ 29-19)
- General penalty
- $100–$500 per offense, per day (§ 1-15)
Summary
Before touching any tree on a Portland street, park or other public place, you need a permit from the City Arborist. The rule covers planting, spraying, fertilizing, pruning and removal alike, and every permit carries a firm expiration date tied to the approved scope of work.
No person shall plant, spray, fertilize, prune, remove, cut or otherwise disturb above or below the ground any tree on any street, park or public place without first filing an application and procuring a permit from the city arborist.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
3, and amended by Ord. No. 441-78, governs work on public trees separately from the 2020 Heritage Tree ordinance that covers private property. " Under § 29-19, the arborist issues a permit if the proposed work is "desirable" and meets "reasonable arboricultural specifications and standards of practice"; every permit states a definite expiration date, work must finish within that window, and the permit is void if its terms are violated. The permit holder must notify the arborist of completion within five days. Section 29-23 layers on an added duty for construction-related removals from public places: the person removing the tree must both obtain the § 29-18/29-19 permit and replace the tree to the size, species and placement standards set in the permit, bearing the full cost of removal and replacement.
Violations & Fines
Article II carries no separate fine schedule of its own, so an unpermitted removal, pruning or disturbance of a public tree falls under the Code's general penalty at § 1-15: a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 for each offense, with every day the violation continues counted as a separate offense. The corporation counsel may also pursue equitable enforcement, and under § 29-22 the arborist can remove an improperly planted or disturbed tree and charge the cost to the responsible owner or planter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a city permit to remove a tree on a Portland street or park?
How long does a public tree work permit last?
Who removes a Portland public tree for a construction project?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Portland
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