Mobile's Tree Code under MCO Chapter 57 protects significant trees on public right-of-way and certain private development sites, requiring a permit from the Urban Forestry coordinator before removing protected trees.
Mobile is a designated Tree City USA and takes its live oak canopy seriously. Chapter 57 protects all trees in the public right-of-way and significant trees on commercial and multifamily development sites, with stricter rules in tree preservation zones. Single-family homeowners removing a tree in their own back yard generally do not need a permit, but trees in the public right-of-way along the street do, even if the homeowner planted them. Live oaks 24 inches diameter and larger get heightened protection citywide as heritage trees.
Removing a protected tree without a permit triggers replacement requirements based on caliper inches plus civil fines that can exceed 1,000 dollars for heritage live oaks.
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See how Mobile's tree removal permits rules stack up against other locations.
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