Arkansas Statewide Rule
Arkansas Tree Removal Liability Statutes
Key Facts
- Trespass damages
- Treble value plus costs
- Knowing removal
- Double value
- Navigable waterways
- $100-$1,000 fine
- Statute
- Ark. Code 18-60-102
Summary
Arkansas statutes impose statewide civil and criminal liability for unlawfully cutting trees on another's land, including treble or double damages and protections for trees on navigable waterways under multiple Arkansas Code sections.
(a) A person trespassing as follows shall pay a person injured treble the value of a thing damaged, broken, destroyed, or carried away, with costs, if the person shall: (1) Cut down, injure, destroy, or carry away any tree placed or growing for use or shade or any timber, rails, or wood, standing, being, or growing on the land of another person;
Full Breakdown
Arkansas Code 18-60-102 imposes treble damages on anyone who trespasses by cutting down, injuring, destroying, or carrying away trees placed or growing for use or shade on another person's land. Arkansas Code 15-32-301 provides that a person who knowingly cuts down or removes trees, timber, or lumber contrary to law is jointly and severally liable to the owner for double the value of the timber. Arkansas Code 5-72-102 makes it unlawful to remove any tree growing below the ordinary high watermark of a legislatively designated navigable river or stream, with fines from $100 to $1,000 per violation. These civil and criminal protections apply uniformly statewide.
Violations & Penalties
Unlawful cutting on private land triggers treble or double damages plus costs. Removing trees from navigable waterways carries fines of $100 to $1,000 per violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my neighbor cuts down my tree without permission?
Are trees along rivers protected by state law?
Sources
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.