Kirkwood, MO Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Protected size
- 6+ inches DBH, fair or better condition
- Trigger distance
- Construction within 10 feet of tree
- Who assesses
- Certified arborist prepares tree study
- Damage penalty
- $250 per adjusted diameter inch, § 24-4(f)
- Enforcement
- Municipal offense under § 24-5, § 1-8
Summary
Kirkwood's Tree Code protects "significant trees," defined as any tree six inches or more in diameter at breast height that is in fair or better condition and is not an invasive or undesirable species. Construction within 10 feet of a significant tree triggers mandatory tree protection measures even on small remodel projects that otherwise skip a full tree study.
SIGNIFICANT TREE Any tree six inches in DBH or greater in fair or greater condition, excluding invasive species or "undesirable trees." ... If a project with partial site development does not meet the requirements for providing a tree protection plan listed above, but will include grading or other construction activity/impact within 10 feet of a significant tree and/or City tree, tree protection measures will be required to be installed and maintained throughout the project, but no tree study is required.
Full Breakdown
" That definition matters because significant trees are the trigger point for mandatory protection under Section 24-4. Full site development, demolition, grading, or complete redevelopment always requires an approved tree protection plan and tree study under Section 24-4(b), prepared by a certified arborist. For a smaller partial remodel or addition that impacts less than a third of the lot, Section 24-4(c)(3) still forces the issue if the work will include grading or construction activity within 10 feet of a significant tree or a City-owned street tree: tree protection measures have to be installed and maintained for the life of the project, even though a full tree study is not required in that scaled-down case.
" Damaging a protected significant tree during construction triggers replacement obligations under Section 24-4(f): the developer replants based on the tree's adjusted diameter or pays the City $250 per adjusted diameter inch into a fund reserved for tree maintenance and protection.
Violations & Fines
Failing to protect a significant tree that was designated in an approved tree protection plan is a municipal offense under Section 24-5, enforced through Chapter 1, Section 1-8 of the Code, and each protected tree that is damaged counts as a separate offense under Section 24-4(f). The Urban Forester sets the dollar value of the damage using the International Society of Arboriculture's Guide for Plant Appraisal, and a builder who lets a significant tree die can be billed $250 per adjusted diameter inch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a "significant tree" in Kirkwood?
Do I need a permit just because a significant tree is near my project?
What happens if a significant tree is damaged during construction?
Who decides whether a tree in Kirkwood qualifies for protection?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kirkwood
Compare Kirkwood to another location·View the Missouri tree protection overview
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