Idaho Falls, ID Tree Protection: Tree Removal Permits (2026)

Idaho Falls protects trees in public spaces through its Community Forestry chapter (City Code Title 8, Chapter 9), which was substantially rewritten effective May 1, 2026 (Ord. 3654). The city is a long-standing Tree City USA, recognized for 33 consecutive years as of 2025, and maintains a City Forester and forest management program. Section 8-9-9 makes it unlawful, without first obtaining written permission from the Director or the City Forester, to (a) prune, cut, or remove any portion of a public tree; (b) attach objects that may injure the bark; (c) cut, damage, or destroy the bark; (d) dig, trench, excavate, or apply chemicals within the critical root zone; or (e) plant any public tree - and to plant any street tree. A 'street tree' is any tree within sixteen lateral feet of the edge of a road on a public right-of-way (8-9-2), and can be either public or private. As a permit condition, the City may require a cash bond conditioned on stump removal within thirty days. Private trees on private property are not subject to a removal permit (8-9-14 excludes private trees from topping regulation). Any person or company doing tree work for hire above $500/year must be a licensed Private Tree Service Company (8-9-8), carrying liability and workers' compensation insurance and employing or contracting an ISA-certified arborist. Violations of the chapter are infractions (8-9-21). Before any work on a parkway, right-of-way, or city tree, contact Idaho Falls Parks & Recreation forestry staff.