Springfield, OH Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Springfield Codified Ordinances Section 907.06, Permits Required, bars anyone from planting or removing a public tree in a treelawn or other public place without first obtaining a permit from the City Forester, who administers the chapter under the Park Board's Shade Tree Commission. Applications go to the City Forester's office at least five days before the work, though the Forester can waive that lead time for emergencies, and the Forester will only issue the permit if the proposed work reasonably protects the public trees under the circumstances.

Section 907.06(e) lets the City require, as a condition of the removal permit, that the person replant a replacement tree at the next appropriate planting time for the species selected. Removal obligations run the other direction too: Section 907.08 requires the owner or agent of any lot with a dead or dangerous tree, including one with dead, decayed or broken limbs that endanger people or property, to remove or prune it within 14 days of written notice from the City Forester, served personally, by mail, or by newspaper publication if the owner cannot be located.

Only the Park Board and City departments are exempt from the removal-permit requirement, and even City departments must still notify the Forester of projects affecting trees under Section 907.07(d).