Cities with the Strictest Tree Removal Rules (2026)

Top 25: Strictest Protections

Rankings are based on each city's tree protection ordinance, including permit requirements, diameter thresholds, heritage tree designations, replacement ratios, and penalty structures.

1. 1

   Miami Beach, FLHeavy RestrictionsYes — through Environment Dept

   Miami Beach requires permits for removing any tree that normally matures to 20 feet or more under Chapter 126 (Landscape Ordinance). No person may cut down, destroy, or effectively damage a protected tree without following the city's permit procedures. The Environment and Sustainability Department oversees tree protection.

2. 2

   Ojai, CAHeavy Restrictions$10,000 per tree

   Ojai requires permits to remove protected native trees including oaks (Valley Oak, Coast Live Oak) with trunks 6 inches or more in diameter at breast height. The city's heritage oaks are a defining feature of the valley landscape.

3. 3

   Simi Valley, CAHeavy RestrictionsFor all protected trees

   Simi Valley requires permits to remove protected trees including native oaks and designated significant trees. The application process requires an arborist report and the city typically mandates replacement planting or in-lieu fees.

4. 4

   Kings County, NYHeavy Restrictions$5,000–$15,000+

   NYC Admin Code §18-129 prohibits damaging or removing any street tree without a NYC Parks permit. Fines for unauthorized removal start at $5,000 and can reach $15,000+ based on tree size.

5. 5

   Coral Gables, FLHeavy RestrictionsAll trees meeting size thresholds

   Coral Gables requires a tree removal permit before removing any tree on public or private property that meets size thresholds. Chapter 82, Article II of the Code of Ordinances governs tree protection. A tree survey is required with permit applications. The city tree preservation agency must approve all removals, relocations, and replacements within 10 working days.

6. 6

   Costa Mesa, CAHeavy RestrictionsComparable size required where possible

   Costa Mesa requires prior city approval before removing any tree that was required by a site plan, landscaping condition, or planning approval. Trees shall not be destroyed or removed without review by the Planning Division, which may require a California licensed arborist report. Replacement trees of comparable size are required where possible. Street trees in the public right-of-way are city property and may not be trimmed or removed by residents.

7. 7

   Mission Viejo, CAHeavy RestrictionsUp to $10,000+ per tree

   Mission Viejo requires permits for removing protected trees on private property. Trees with trunks 10 inches or more in diameter at breast height (DBH) are generally protected. The city's strong tree preservation policy requires justification for removal and replacement planting.

8. 8

   Skokie, ILHeavy RestrictionsOften required

   Skokie is a Tree City USA community with a strong forestry program. Parkway trees are village property and cannot be removed without Public Works authorization, while removal of significant private trees may require permits and replacement.

9. 9

   San Mateo County, CAHeavy RestrictionsChapter 8.400 (Ord. 4895, Oct 22, 2024)

   The unincorporated County's Protected Tree Ordinance (Chapter 8.400, Ordinance 4895, 2024) requires a Protected Tree Removal Permit before removing protected trees, with replacement planting and a 3-year maintenance period. Exemptions cover dead trees, true emergencies, and specific fire-risk species near structures. A separate Coastal Zone exemption for hazardous trees runs through July 1, 2026.

10. 10

    Doral, FLHeavy Restrictions4-inch trunk diameter at DBH

    Doral requires a tree removal permit for any tree with a trunk diameter of 4 inches or more measured at 4.5 feet above ground. Permits are reviewed by the city and may require replacement tree planting. Removal of certain protected species requires additional justification. Emergency removals for safety hazards may proceed without a permit.

11. 11

    Fulton County, GAHeavy Restrictions

    Unincorporated Fulton County regulates tree removal under Chapter 26, Article VI (Tree Preservation). The focus is land development and specimen trees: individual residential homeowners generally need no permit, but a specimen tree cannot be removed without the county arborist's written permission.

12. 12

    East Honolulu, HIHeavy RestrictionsDPR Director

    East Honolulu homeowners must obtain a permit under ROH Section 10-1.4 before removing or pruning street trees fronting Hawaii Kai, Aina Haina, or Kuliouou properties.

13. 13

    Napa, CAHeavy Restrictions§12.45.090 + Tree Advisory Commission

    Tree-removal permitting in the City of Napa is governed by Chapter 12.45 (Trees on Private Property) and Chapter 12.44 (Public Trees and Plants). Removal of any Protected Native Tree on a qualifying lot (over one acre residential or agricultural, or any commercial or industrial parcel) requires a permit from the Tree Advisory Commission after a noticed public hearing. Permits are granted only on specific findings of necessity. Routine private-tree removals on smaller residential lots do not require a Napa permit. Street and city trees require Public Works/Parks and Recreation approval under Chapter 12.44.

14. 14

    Yonkers, NYHeavy Restrictions

    Permits required to remove street trees and large protected trees on private property in Yonkers. Enforced by DPW and Planning during site plan review.

15. 15

    White Plains, NYHeavy Restrictions$500–$1,000/tree

    White Plains requires a tree removal permit for regulated trees above DBH thresholds on private property. Applications filed with the building or planning department.

16. 16

    Waipahu, HIHeavy RestrictionsDPR Director

    ROH Section 10-1.4 requires Waipahu residents to obtain DPR permits before removing, trimming, or pruning street trees along plantation-era roadways.

17. 17

    Modesto, CAHeavy RestrictionsYes – prior Forestry Division approval

    Modesto protects all street and park trees under MMC Title 7, Chapter 5. Removal of any city-owned street tree requires advance approval from the Forestry Division and must be performed by a city-approved vendor. Private tree work near street trees also requires prior city approval and an encroachment permit.

18. 18

    Horry County, SCHeavy Restrictions$150/tree, x2 for live oaks

    Horry County requires authorization to remove a Specimen Live Oak (24-inch DBH or larger): normally a Zoning Board of Appeals variance, or zoning compliance if a certified arborist confirms the tree is dying. Mitigation follows, either replacement trees or a $150-per-tree fee, doubled for live oaks.

19. 19

    Grand Prairie, TXHeavy Restrictions$500-$10,000+ per tree

    Grand Prairie requires permits for removing protected trees (generally over 6-12 inches diameter at breast height). Heritage oaks have additional protections. Mitigation required for removed protected trees. Fines start at $500 for unpermitted removal.

20. 20

    Schaumburg, ILHeavy RestrictionsYes for significant trees

    Schaumburg requires permits to remove trees on parkway land and regulates removal of significant trees on private property. The Village's tree preservation program protects the urban forest canopy.

21. 21

    Salem, ORHeavy RestrictionsBefore removal or significant damage

    Salem UDC Chapter 808 protects Oregon white oaks 20 inches DBH or larger and any tree 30 inches DBH or larger on private property. Removal requires a city permit; unpermitted removal can result in fines exceeding $1,000 per tree and mandatory replacement planting.

22. 22

    Newport Beach, CAHeavy RestrictionsRequired from Municipal Ops

    Newport Beach requires permits for removal of any street tree or city-owned tree. Private trees on residential property generally do not require a removal permit unless they are designated heritage trees or located within specific overlay zones. Trees in the Coastal Zone may require review under the Coastal Land Use Plan. The Municipal Operations Department manages street tree removals.

23. 23

    Takoma Park, MDHeavy Restrictions24-inch circumference (7.6-inch diameter)

    Takoma Park requires a permit to remove any tree with a circumference of 24 inches or more (approximately 7.6 inches diameter) on private property under Chapter 12.12 of the Municipal Code. The city arborist reviews applications and may require replacement plantings. Takoma Park is widely recognized as a Tree City USA with some of the strictest urban tree protections in Maryland.

24. 24

    Pearl City, HIHeavy RestrictionsDPR Director

    ROH Section 10-1.4 requires Pearl City residents to obtain DPR permits before removing, trimming, or pruning street trees along neighborhood roadways.

25. 25

    Palm Springs, CAHeavy RestrictionsPermit required for public-right-of-way trees

    Palm Springs requires permits to remove mature and protected trees, including heritage date palms, Washingtonia fan palms on public rights-of-way, and designated specimens on private property. Removal without authorization can result in fines and replacement requirements.

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