Providence Code Chapter 33 places all street trees and trees in public rights-of-way under City Forester jurisdiction; removal, topping, or major pruning requires a permit, and unauthorized work triggers replacement and fines.
Providence's Tree Code, Chapter 33 of the Code of Ordinances, establishes the Office of City Forester within the Department of Parks. All trees in public rights-of-way, parks, and tree lawns belong to the city and may not be removed, severely pruned, or topped without a permit from the Forester. Property owners may request planting or removal but cannot perform the work themselves; only licensed arborists with city approval may. The Tree Code complements the Climate Justice Plan's canopy-equity goals, which prioritize new plantings in heat-island neighborhoods like South Providence and Olneyville.
Unauthorized removal of a public tree triggers replacement orders and fines that scale with trunk diameter, often $500 or more per tree.
Providence, RI
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Providence, RI
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Providence, RI
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Providence, RI
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Providence, RI
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Providence, RI
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See how Providence's tree removal permits rules stack up against other locations.
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