Oklahoma City Chapter 56 designates heritage trees and certain native species as protected. Removal requires a permit, replacement at a 2-to-1 ratio, and arborist documentation, especially on commercial sites and rights-of-way.
Chapter 56 of the OKC Municipal Code identifies heritage trees by species, size, and historical value, with bur oak, post oak, pecan, and large native elms commonly qualifying. Removal of a heritage tree requires application to the urban forester, justification such as disease or hazard, and replacement plantings at 2-to-1 ratio using approved native species. Commercial development sites must inventory existing protected trees during plan review. Right-of-way trees are city property and may not be removed without explicit Parks Department authorization regardless of who paid for original planting.
Unauthorized removal of a heritage or protected tree can carry fines of several hundred to several thousand dollars per tree under Ch. 56, plus mandatory replacement costs assessed against the property owner.
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See how Oklahoma City's protected tree species rules stack up against other locations.
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