Pocatello, ID Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)

Section 12.28.080 of the Pocatello City Code puts species selection for public trees under the city forester, who reports to the Parks and Recreation director. Subsection A makes the Pocatello tree commission's "tree selection guide" the official guideline for choosing and planting trees on public property. Subsection B requires the city forester to keep the "city of Pocatello master list of acceptable trees," and limits public tree planting to species on that list unless the city forester gives written consent to plant something else. Subsection C goes further for street trees specifically: the city forester maintains a list of recommended and prohibited species for street tree planting, together with suggested spacing and planting distances from curbs and sidewalks, and a copy is available to the public from Parks and Recreation and Planning and Development Services.

The Pocatello Tree Commission, a citizen advisory body established under section 12.28.060, may recommend regulations and standards for the planting, maintenance, and removal of trees citywide, feeding into the lists the forester maintains. Section 12.28.070 requires street tree planting, maintenance, and removal by private property owners to conform to sections 12.28.080 through 12.28.140, so the species restriction reaches homeowners planting a new parking strip tree, not just city crews.