Boone County, MO Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Subdivision design & plat review
- Protected trees
- Missouri Dept. of Conservation champion trees
- Also protected
- Trees 75%+ largest known circumference
- Source
- Subdivision Regs Appendix B § 1.5(a)
Summary
Boone County subdivision design must protect and preserve any tree the state lists as a Missouri champion, or any tree at least 75% of the largest known circumference recorded for its species statewide.
In designing any subdivision, the following specific areas shall be protected and preserved: a) tree(s) identified as Missouri champion trees by the Missouri Department of Conservation or any tree(s) seventy-five (75%) or larger of the circumference of the largest known species of such tree in Missouri; b) sensitive plant species and high quality natural communities as compiled by the Missouri Department of Conservation in the Natural Heritage database for Boone County; c) sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and d) cemeteries and burial grounds.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Boone County's subdivision design standards flag specific 'Community Assets' that a plat must work around rather than clear. Any tree the Missouri Department of Conservation lists as a state champion, or any tree at least 75% of the largest known circumference recorded for its species in Missouri, must be protected and preserved when a subdivision is laid out. The same section separately protects sensitive plant species and natural communities, National Register historic sites, and cemeteries, but the champion-tree standard is what applies to an individual significant tree on a development tract.
Violations & Fines
Violating the Community Assets tree-protection requirement is a misdemeanor under § 1.9.3, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense; the Director can withhold plat approval over an unprotected tree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which trees count as 'champion trees' in Boone County?
Does this protection apply outside subdivision platting?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Boone County
Compare Boone County to another location·View the Missouri tree protection overview
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