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Columbus, OH Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing section
Columbus City Codes § 912.07
Enforcing agency
Recreation and Parks Department
Scope
Public streets, parks, public places only
Enacted
December 11, 2023
Exception process
Director's written approval

Summary

Columbus maintains official lists of tree species approved for planting along public streets, parks, and public places, plus a prohibited list that cannot be planted without the Recreation and Parks Director's written approval.

The department shall establish and maintain the following: (A)A list of tree species that are approved for planting along public streets, in parks, and public places. Other species may be permitted with written approval of the Director.(B)A list of prohibited tree species that shall not be planted along public streets, in parks, and public places unless written approval is granted by the Director.

Source: Columbus City Code Chapter 911View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 85 | Form Based Code: ?).

Full Breakdown

Columbus City Codes § 912.07 directs the Recreation and Parks Department to keep two lists: species approved for planting along public streets, in parks, and public places, and species prohibited from planting there. Planting a species outside the approved list, or planting one on the prohibited list, requires the Director's written approval. The rule governs public trees only, city-owned street trees, park trees, and public-place plantings, not what a private property owner plants in their own yard. It ties into the code's broader nuisance-tree provisions, which separately name prohibited species as one factor in declaring a private tree a public nuisance.

Violations & Fines

Planting a prohibited species, or any species without Director approval, on a public street, park, or public place violates § 912.07 and can trigger removal or replanting orders under Chapter 912.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this rule apply to trees on my private property?
No. Section 912.07 governs only public trees along city streets, in parks, and public places. Private planting isn't regulated by this section, though a diseased or hazardous private tree can be a nuisance under § 912.08.
Can I plant any species I want as a street tree?
Only species on the Recreation and Parks Department's approved list, unless the Director grants written approval for another species under § 912.07(A).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Columbus

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsParkway PlantingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions

All Columbus rules

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