Montgomery, AL Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Section 12-165(a)(9) makes it unlawful to prune, cut or remove any tree within the city for hire or for profit without a permit issued by the urban forester, so tree-service companies and independent contractors both need sign-off before billing a Montgomery customer, not just homeowners cutting their own trees. 00 per job, by supplying the business owner's name and address, the job site location and property owner, and the scope of work; the permit is valid for 90 days, with an extension available if unusual conditions push the job past that window.

The same article protects trees during nearby construction. Section 12-165(a)(6) bars excavation or construction work within a city tree's drip line unless a fence, frame or box acceptable to the urban forester is installed first to protect the tree, and (a)(5) requires a permit before digging any ditch, tunnel or trench, or laying a drive, within the tree's root protection zone, an 18-to-24-inch-deep band running out to half the tree's height or its drip line. Pruning to clear electric lines must follow ANSI Standard A300, with mandated clearances of five feet for lines up to 750 volts and 15 feet for lines carrying more.