Tree Protection in Alabama (2026)
15 rules on the books across Alabama, 11 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Heritage & Protected Trees
Extra protections for old, large, or historically significant trees, including the penalties for removing them without approval.
Auburn
Some RestrictionsAuburn does not run a heritage-tree registry, but its Zoning Ordinance singles out large or historically significant…
Read full rule →Mobile
Some RestrictionsMobile designates certain live oaks and eight other species as protected 'heritage trees' once they reach 18 inches DBH…
Read full rule →Protected Tree Species
Specific native species (oak, sycamore, walnut, juniper) protected by city ordinance, diameter thresholds, removal permits, and replacement ratios.
Dothan
Some RestrictionsIn the City of Dothan, a protected tree is any pine 18 inches or greater DBH and any non-pine species 12 inches or…
Read full rule →Mobile
Some RestrictionsMobile names eight specific species, hickory, longleaf pine, magnolia, oak (excluding water oak), river birch, sweet…
Read full rule →Parkway Planting
Permits and rules for planting in the parkway strip between sidewalk and curb, including approved species lists and Bureau of Street Services standards.
Auburn
Some RestrictionsWhen Auburn approves removal of a public tree, the applicant must pay for and plant a replacement the city selects, and…
Read full rule →Birmingham
Some RestrictionsBirmingham bars planting any tree that grows taller than 25 feet at maturity under or within 10 feet of an overhead…
Read full rule →Decatur
Some RestrictionsIn the City of Decatur, Alabama, planting a tree or shrub in a public street, parkway or other public place is unlawful…
Read full rule →Dothan
Some RestrictionsIn the City of Dothan's Highway 84 East Overlay, street and parkway trees must be spaced no more than 40 feet on…
Read full rule →Hoover
Some RestrictionsIn Hoover's Mixed Use District, city zoning requires every street to include an eight-foot-wide sidewalk and street…
Read full rule →Huntsville
Some RestrictionsAny tree planted on Huntsville's public land or road right-of-way must meet city forester-approved specifications and…
Read full rule →Jefferson County
Some RestrictionsEvery Planned Unit Development platted in unincorporated Jefferson County must line its interior streets with a…
Read full rule →Mobile
Some RestrictionsNew and redeveloped commercial parcels in Mobile's Peninsula and Africatown overlays must provide street trees along…
Read full rule →Montgomery
Some RestrictionsMontgomery's urban forester develops the city's street tree planting plan and must approve any tree or shrub planted in…
Read full rule →Vestavia Hills
Some RestrictionsVestavia Hills requires a landscaped buffer between the roadway and sidewalk in its MXD Planned Community Mixed Use…
Read full rule →Tuscaloosa
Light RestrictionsInside Tuscaloosa's original city survey area and its downtown, downtown perimeter, and downtown historic edge…
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