St. George, UT Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in St. George, UT, 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 section
- City Code § 7-4-13
- Valuation method
- ISA Tree and Shrub Valuation Guidelines
- Criminal penalty
- Class B misdemeanor
- Scope
- Street, park, and heritage trees
- Remedy
- City replaces the tree after restitution
Summary
Anyone who damages or removes a street, park, or heritage tree without authorization must pay the city restitution based on ISA valuation, and the city then replaces the tree.
The violator may not only be subject to a fine but shall make restitution to the city. Restitution shall be a payment to the city in an amount commensurate with the value of damage to the tree as measured by the International Society of Arboriculture Tree and Shrub Valuation Guidelines. The city shall then proceed to replace the tree or take such other remedial steps as may be best calculated to offset the loss occasioned by the violation. A current copy of the International Society of Arboriculture Tree and Shrub Valuation Guidelines, as amended from time to time, shall be retained for public use at all times in the office of the city recorder. (Ord. 7-1-1993, 7-1-1993; amd. 2003 Code)
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-062, passed August 6, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under St. George City Code section 7-4-13, violating the tree chapter is a Class B misdemeanor, and beyond any fine the violator must make restitution to the city equal to the tree's value under the International Society of Arboriculture Tree and Shrub Valuation Guidelines. The city forester keeps a current copy of the ISA guidelines on file at the city recorder's office. Once restitution is paid, the city proceeds to replace the tree or take other remedial steps calculated to offset the loss. This applies to street trees, park trees, and heritage trees on public property and rights-of-way, not to routine removal of trees on private residential lots.
Violations & Fines
Class B misdemeanor plus ISA-valuation restitution to the city; a licensed tree company that removes or damages a tree without written permission risks business license revocation under section 3-1-19.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply to a tree in my backyard?
How is the restitution amount set?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. George
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