Billings, MT Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Yes, before any planting
- Governs
- Parks, streets, alleys, boulevards
- Banned species
- 7 listed, incl. elms, poplars
- Non-compliant trees
- Removable at owner's cost
Summary
Billings requires a city permit before anyone plants a tree in a street boulevard, alley, park, or other public property, and bans several species outright.
No person shall plant any tree in any city park, or in any other city property, including streets, alleys, boulevards or other public ways, without first filing an application and obtaining a permit from the city. The person receiving the permit shall abide by the city specifications and standards of practices. Any permit shall be void if its terms are violated.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 66 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Under Sec. 25-206, no one may plant a tree in a city park or on any other city property, including streets, alleys, boulevards, or other public ways, without first filing an application and obtaining a permit from the city. Permit holders must follow the city's planting specifications and standards of practice, and the permit becomes void if its terms are violated. Sec. 25-208 additionally bans Carolina poplar, Canadian poplar, elms, lombardy poplar, silver leaf poplar, weeping willow, and box elder from being planted in streets, avenues, boulevards, or alleys anywhere in the city.
Violations & Fines
Trees planted without a permit or in conflict with the article can be ordered removed at the owner's cost (Sec. 25-207); general Code violations are a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine and/or 6 months in jail, with each day a separate offense (Sec. 1-110).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant a tree in the boulevard strip in front of my Billings home?
Are elm or poplar trees allowed on Billings streets?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Billings
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