Omaha regulates tree removal in the public right-of-way under Omaha Municipal Code Ch. 26. Private property tree removal generally does not require a permit unless the tree is in a protected overlay district. Street trees are managed by Omaha Parks Forestry and cannot be removed by residents.
Tree removal in Douglas County differs significantly by location and tree type. For trees in the public right-of-way (typically the parkway strip between sidewalk and curb), the City of Omaha Parks & Recreation Forestry Division holds exclusive authority under Omaha Municipal Code Chapter 26. Residents cannot remove or significantly prune street trees without a permit — which is rarely issued except for dead, diseased, or hazardous trees. Forestry crews handle pruning, removal, and replacement. For trees on private residential property, Omaha does not currently require a permit for routine removal. However, trees within historic district overlays (Field Club, Gold Coast), tree preservation zones near Fontenelle Forest and the Gifford Park arboretum, and those subject to subdivision covenants (common in West Omaha) may require approval. Douglas County follows similar rules for unincorporated areas. Large-scale clearing tied to new construction triggers stormwater and grading permit review. Emerald ash borer has driven extensive removals in the Omaha canopy since 2016; ash trees in public right-of-way are removed proactively by the city.
Unauthorized removal of street tree: $500 to $5,000 under Omaha Muni Code Ch. 26 plus replacement cost (often $1,000+ for mature tree). Violation of historic district tree rule: $500 to $10,000. HOA covenant violations: civil enforcement only.
Douglas County, NE
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See how Douglas County's tree removal permits rules stack up against other locations.
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