Reno, NV Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Reno, NV, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Enforcing official
- Reno Urban Forester
- Permit required
- for any work on public trees
- Banned street species
- elm, poplar, cottonwood, willow
- Penalty
- misdemeanor plus tree-value restitution
- Landmark trees
- removal needs city council approval
Summary
Reno's Municipal Code Chapter 8.32 makes it unlawful to remove, top, mutilate, or injure any tree, shrub, or vine on a public street, park, or other public place without a written permit from the city's urban forester.
It shall be unlawful to do any of the following acts: (a)Removing without permit, destruction, topping, mutilation, breaking, or killing any trees, plants, shrubs or vines upon or along any of the public streets, highways, alleys, public parks or public places.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Administrative Code: Supplement 64 | Land Development Code: Supplement 5 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Reno Municipal Code Chapter 8.32 puts the city's urban forester in charge of every tree, shrub, and vine on public streets, parks, and rights-of-way. Planting, pruning, spraying, or removing any of them without a written permit is unlawful, as is tying an animal to one, posting signs on one, or digging within ten feet of one. The chapter also bans planting elm, poplar, cottonwood, aspen, or willow trees along city streets, and lets the urban forester order removal of diseased or hazardous trees on private property that threaten public safety. Landmark trees need Reno City Council approval before removal. Violations are misdemeanors, and offenders must compensate the city for the tree's assessed value.
Violations & Fines
Damaging, topping, or removing a public tree without an urban forester's permit is a misdemeanor; violators must also compensate the city for the tree's value under RMC § 8.32.180.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to prune or remove a street tree in Reno?
Can I plant any tree species along a Reno street?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Reno
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