Twin Falls, ID Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Chapter 4 of Title 8, the Twin Falls Tree Ordinance, governs removal of public trees, defined in § 8-4-3 as any tree whose trunk is located partly or in whole on public property. Section 8-4-7(A) makes it unlawful for any person to damage, destroy, mutilate, or remove any public tree. The path to lawful removal runs through § 8-4-6(B). Before removal of any public, street, or alley tree, the property owner or a private tree service company currently licensed by the city must request a permit, and all work must be completed within thirty (30) days of issuance. After inspection, the Twin Falls tree commission can issue the permit through the parks and recreation department, which can condition its approval. Permits are available at the parks and recreation office at 136 Maxwell Avenue, 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday.

The stump must be removed with the tree. Permit holders must then replace the tree under § 8-4-7(E): an approved variety from the Twin Falls Tree Selection Guide, at least a ten (10) gallon size specimen, planted within thirty (30) days of removal or as soon as weather conditions allow, and a class I tree with a mature height not greater than 20 feet where utility lines are present. Replacement is a condition of the permit unless the tree commission waives it for good cause shown, and it is the responsibility of the permit holder. Nothing in § 8-4-6(B) interferes with the immediate removal of a tree that presents a hazardous or emergency situation.

Private trees are treated differently. Section 8-4-2 states the chapter is not intended to resolve or regulate disputes or tree management issues on private property that do not affect the safety of the general public. Even so, § 8-4-8 declares a public nuisance any tree, public, street, or private, that is a hazard to public safety as determined by an ISA certified arborist with the tree commission, and § 8-4-9 puts removal costs on the owner.