Fort Smith, AR Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing sections
- § 18-152 (definitions) & § 18-155
- Landmark tree
- registry-listed, historically significant
- Rare tree
- 24+ in. diameter or 200+ yrs old
- Protection
- fencing required before construction
Summary
Fort Smith's tree registry designates landmark and rare trees on public grounds, and Code § 18-155 requires protective fencing before any nearby construction begins.
Landmark tree means any tree, located on public grounds, listed with the state or national registry or cited in the city's tree registry as being historically significant, by age, species, form, or location. ... Where preserved, rare or landmark trees exist, protection measures shall be in place prior to the arrival of any heavy equipment on the site or the beginning of any construction including land alteration except as necessary to install tree protection.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 4).
Full Breakdown
Fort Smith Code § 18-152 defines a landmark tree as one on public grounds listed with the state or national registry, or cited in the city's own tree registry as historically significant by age, species, form, or location; a rare tree is one 24-plus inches in trunk diameter for large species (eight-plus for small species), over 200 years old, or an uncommon or endangered species on the registry. Section 18-155 requires protective fencing around the root protection zone of any preserved, rare, or landmark tree before heavy equipment arrives or construction begins, and bars grading deeper than three inches, toxic pours, attached signs or wires, nearby burning, and vehicle parking within that zone.
Violations & Fines
Grading, pouring toxic material, attaching hardware, burning, or parking within a landmark or rare tree's protected root zone before or during construction violates Sec. 18-155.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a tree a 'landmark tree' in Fort Smith?
What protection do landmark trees get during construction?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Smith
Compare Fort Smith to another location·View the Arkansas tree protection overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.