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Washington County, AR Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

County heritage list
None
State designation
None
Fayetteville registry
UDC §167.03, voluntary
Private landmark trees
No automatic protection

Summary

Arkansas designates no heritage trees by statute, and Washington County protects none. Fayetteville runs a voluntary Tree Registry under UDC §167.03 for historic, rare, or exceptional trees, but registration is optional and does not run with the land.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Washington County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Trees or groups of trees which are documented to be of historic merit, of an uncommon or endangered species, or are of extraordinary value due to their age, size, or type, may be registered in the City of Fayetteville's Tree Registry. It shall be the duty of the Landscape Administrator to maintain and keep this Registry on file in the Administrator's office.

Source: Arkansas CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

No county heritage-tree program exists in Washington County, because Arkansas passes no statewide tree-protection law and the county has no authority to create one. The Ozark region's mature oaks and hickories are protected only where a city ordinance reaches them. Fayetteville, a longtime Tree City USA, maintains a Tree Registry under UDC §167.03 for trees of historic merit, uncommon or endangered species, or extraordinary age, size, or type. Registration is voluntary, done by the property owner, and does not automatically run with the land, so it is recognition and stewardship rather than a hard removal ban. Outside a city, a landmark oak on private land carries no legal protection.

Violations & Fines

None in the unincorporated county, where no heritage designation exists. Fayetteville's registry is voluntary, so it carries no removal penalty by itself, though registered and significant trees still fall under the Ch. 167 development rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Washington County protect heritage trees?
Not the county. Arkansas has no heritage-tree statute. Fayetteville keeps a voluntary Tree Registry under UDC §167.03 for historic or exceptional trees, but registration is optional and confers stewardship rather than a strict removal ban.
How does a tree get on Fayetteville's registry?
The property owner registers it voluntarily. Eligible trees have historic merit, an uncommon or endangered species, or extraordinary age, size, or type. Registration does not automatically transfer with the property.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Washington County

Parking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Neighbor Fence RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterLight RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Exotic PetsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Breed RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: BeekeepingFew Restrictions

All Washington County rules

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