Tuscaloosa, AL Tree Protection: Tree Removal Permits (2026)

The City of Tuscaloosa's Code of Ordinances does not establish a permit requirement for removing trees on private residential property, and single-family and duplex lots are expressly exempt from the zoning landscape standards under Sec. 25-129. The city's enforceable tree-protection controls operate in three contexts. First, the public right-of-way: Sec. 21-283 references the city's 'tree regulations' and a 'city forester,' and prohibits a utility or facilities provider from removing, cutting, or damaging right-of-way trees greater than four (4) inches in diameter (measured 12 inches above ground) without the prior consent of the city forester, except for emergencies and routine trimming. Second, public lands: park trees and vegetation are protected from damage (Sec. 18-24) and cemetery trees are protected (Sec. 8-3). Third, development: under the zoning landscape and buffer standards (Ch. 25, Art. VI, Div. 3, Ord. No. 9572), existing healthy approved trees may be counted toward required landscaping (Sec. 25-131(c)), and Sec. 25-136 requires replacement of any required plant that dies, is seriously damaged, or is removed. Third-party 'tree removal permit' websites that claim Tuscaloosa requires permits for large private trees do not reflect a verified provision of the city code; the code itself imposes no general private-property tree-removal permit. For any tree in the public right-of-way or on city property, contact the city forester (Office of the City Engineer) before removal.