Tree Protection in Oklahoma (2026)
9 rules on the books across Oklahoma, 6 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.
Norman
Some RestrictionsProperty owners can nominate a tree on their own land as a 'historic tree' under NCC 16-912 if it shows at least three…
Read full rule →Lawton
Light RestrictionsLawton has no citywide heritage-tree registry, but its Downtown Lawton Overlay District landscaping code protects…
Read full rule →Oklahoma City
Light RestrictionsOklahoma City has no heritage or landmark tree designation program. The closest local protection is the Zoning and…
Read full rule →Protected Tree Species
Specific native species (oak, sycamore, walnut, juniper) protected by city ordinance, diameter thresholds, removal permits, and replacement ratios.
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.
Broken Arrow
Some RestrictionsBroken Arrow's Zoning Ordinance gives the City control over parkway and street-right-of-way trees: residents need…
Read full rule →Midwest City
Some RestrictionsMidwest City requires street trees to come from an approved species list, be spaced by size class, and stay at least…
Read full rule →Norman
Some RestrictionsNorman requires new single-family and two-family homes to plant at least one street-frontage tree before the city…
Read full rule →Oklahoma City
Some RestrictionsOklahoma City requires a permit before anyone plants a tree, plant, or shrub on public property, including the parkway…
Read full rule →Tulsa
Some RestrictionsTulsa requires a permit before planting any street tree in the public right-of-way and sets exact spacing: at least 7…
Read full rule →