Lee's Summit, MO Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Hardwood threshold
- 12-inch caliper (oaks, hickories)
- Softwood threshold
- 16-foot height (pines, cedars)
- Small hardwood threshold
- 6-inch caliper (dogwoods, redbuds)
- Also protected
- Any tree 10-inch caliper or larger
- Removal requires
- Approved tree conservation plan
Summary
Lee's Summit does not list endangered species by name, but the UDO gives species-based caliper and height thresholds that trigger 'significant tree' protection: 12-inch hardwoods, 16-foot softwoods, and 6-inch small hardwoods. Once a tree crosses that line, Sec. 8.740 requires an approved tree conservation plan before it can be removed for development.
14.Significant tree. A tree in fair or better condition that has been determined to be of a high value by a knowledgeable person because of its species, size, age or other professional criteria.a.A tree is considered in fair or better condition if:(1)Its life expectancy is greater than 15 years;(2)It has a relatively sound and solid trunk with no extensive decay or insect infestation.b.Hardwood trees such as oaks and hickories that are of a 12-inch caliper or more and soft-wood trees such as pines and cedars, which are 16 feet in height or more, and small hardwoods such as dogwoods, redbuds or sourwoods with calipers of 6 inches or more shall be considered significant trees due to size.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 55 | Unified Development Ordinance: Supplement 15).
Full Breakdown
The UDO's landscaping and tree-protection division defines which trees earn protected status by both condition and species-based size at Sec. 710(B)(14). ' That classification is not decorative: Sec. 740(A) requires any grading, bulldozing or vegetation removal that could affect existing tree coverage to be preceded by an approved tree conservation plan showing every significant tree and every other tree of ten-inch caliper or larger to be removed or retained. , not simply to clear the lot)' (Sec. 740(A)(2)(f)). Trees below the species-specific caliper or height thresholds, such as a young oak under 12 inches or a cedar under 16 feet, are not 'significant' under this definition and fall outside the conservation-plan protection, though they can still count toward the landscaping tree-replacement credits at Sec. 750.
Violations & Fines
Clearing or grading a site that removes a significant tree, or any other tree of ten-inch caliper or larger, without an approved tree conservation plan violates Sec. 8.740. As a UDO violation it falls under Sec. 1.170: a misdemeanor fine of $10 to $250 per day for a first offense, $100 to $500 per day for repeats, up to ten days' jail per day, or a $250 civil penalty after notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tree species get automatic protection in Lee's Summit?
Can a developer remove a significant tree without approval?
What about small or unhealthy trees?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lee's Summit
Compare Lee's Summit to another location·View the Missouri tree protection overview
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