Tree Protection in Ohio (2026)
10 rules on the books across Ohio, 7 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Protected Tree Species
Specific native species (oak, sycamore, walnut, juniper) protected by city ordinance, diameter thresholds, removal permits, and replacement ratios.
Cleveland
Heavy RestrictionsCleveland Codified Ordinances §§ 509.16-509.17 target Dutch Elm disease and Elm Blight specifically, giving the…
Read full rule →Medina
Significant RestrictionsMedina Codified Ordinances § 907.01(i) defines a 'protected tree' by trunk size: any public tree with a DBH of two…
Read full rule →Columbus
Some RestrictionsColumbus maintains official lists of tree species approved for planting along public streets, parks, and public places…
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.
Akron
Some RestrictionsAkron bars anyone from planting a tree, plant, or shrub in a public highway, parkway strip, or park until the Director…
Read full rule →Cincinnati
Some RestrictionsPlanting a tree in a Cincinnati parkway or street strip requires an urban forestry permit under CMC § 743-7, with a…
Read full rule →Cleveland
Some RestrictionsCleveland Codified Ordinances § 509.13 requires a written permit from the Director of Public Properties before anyone…
Read full rule →Columbus
Some RestrictionsWant to plant a tree in the parkway strip along a Columbus street? You need a Recreation and Parks Department permit…
Read full rule →Dayton
Some RestrictionsDayton's zoning code requires owners to plant shade trees along every street frontage, one tree per 30 linear feet…
Read full rule →Medina
Some RestrictionsIn every new Medina subdivision the developer pays for street trees and the City installs them, with the City Forester…
Read full rule →Parma
Some RestrictionsNew Parma streets get a City-designated Tree Plan assigning one tree to the tree lawn of every recorded sublot. Section…
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