Tulsa, OK Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Tulsa, OK, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Before planting any street tree
- Curb/sidewalk setback
- 7 ft curb, 4 ft sidewalk
- Topping ban
- Unlawful except storm-damaged trees
- Fire hydrant clearance
- 15 feet minimum
- Max penalty
- $1,000 per day, per violation
Summary
Tulsa requires a permit before planting any street tree, sets exact curb and sidewalk setbacks, and bans topping street or park trees as a normal practice under Title 35 of the city code.
A permit is required for the planting of any street tree. ...No tree on an arterial street shall be planted closer than seven (7) feet from the face of the street curb or closer than four (4) feet from a sidewalk... It shall be unlawful as a normal practice for any person or for any City department to top any street tree, park tree or other tree on public property.
Full Breakdown
Tulsa's right-of-way tree ordinance (Title 35, Chapter 6, § 606) requires a permit before planting any street tree, restricts species to the official list kept by the Tulsa Planning Office at INCOG, and sets exact spacing: 7 feet from the curb and 4 feet from sidewalks on arterial streets, 2 feet in the Central Business District, and 15 feet from fire hydrants. Topping street or park trees is banned except for storm-damaged trees. Abutting owners must maintain and remove dead trees in the right-of-way strip; the City may prune or remove trees at its discretion. Violations carry up to a $1,000-per-day fine under Title 35, § 700.
Violations & Fines
Planting a street tree without a permit, planting a prohibited species, or topping a street or park tree violates § 606; fines run up to $1,000 per day under § 700.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to plant a tree in Tulsa's right-of-way?
Can I top my street tree in Tulsa?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tulsa
Compare Tulsa to another location·View the Oklahoma landscaping rules overview
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Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle tree removal & heritage trees.