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Idaho Falls, ID Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing section
Idaho Falls City Code § 8-9-4
Banned species
Ash, Russian olive, poplar, willow
Alternate species
Needs written City Forester approval
Applies to
Public right-of-way, planting medians only

Summary

Idaho Falls City Code restricts which tree species may be planted in public rights-of-way and planting medians, permitting only an approved list and banning species like ash, poplar, willow, and Russian olive unless the City Forester approves in writing.

SPECIES OF STREET TREES PERMITTED: It shall be unlawful to plant any Tree within any Public Right-of-Way or planting median, except the species of Trees listed in the table below... Other Tree species may be planted...only with written permission from the City Forester, provided that the following species of Trees may not be authorized for planting in the Public Right-of-Way or planting median: Ash, Chokecherry (Canada Red), Evergreen sp., Fruit Trees, Maple (Hedge), Mountain Ash, Poplars, Russian Olive, Willow.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Idaho Falls City Code section 8-9-4 makes it unlawful to plant any tree within a public right-of-way or planting median except species on the City's approved list, which favors moderate-water, disease-resistant trees. Other species need written City Forester permission, and several, ash, Canada Red chokecherry, evergreens, most fruit trees, hedge maple, mountain ash, poplars, Russian olive, and willow, are barred outright from the right-of-way because of pest, root, or maintenance problems. The rule applies within Idaho Falls city limits in Bonneville County and governs street-side plantings, not trees on purely private yards away from the right-of-way.

Violations & Fines

Planting a banned or unlisted species in the public right-of-way without City Forester approval is a violation of Idaho Falls City Code Chapter 8-9, enforceable as a Chapter 8-9 infraction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I plant any tree species next to the street in Idaho Falls?
No. Only species on the City's approved street-tree list may be planted in the public right-of-way without permission; other species need written City Forester approval, and several are banned outright.
Is Russian olive allowed as a street tree in Idaho Falls?
No. Idaho Falls City Code § 8-9-4 lists Russian olive among species that may not be planted in the public right-of-way or planting median.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Idaho Falls

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsHeritage & Protected TreesFew RestrictionsParkway PlantingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSome Restrictions

All Idaho Falls rules

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