When trees are removed as part of development in Reno, the Land Development Code may require replacement plantings. Replacement trees must meet minimum caliper requirements. The city's landscaping standards require new developments to include street trees and shade trees in parking areas. Given Reno's arid climate, drought-tolerant species are preferred for replacement plantings. The Parks Division replaces city street trees that die or are removed due to disease or hazard.
Reno's tree replacement ordinance ensures the urban canopy is maintained when trees are removed. When removal is approved, replacement planting is required at ratios based on the removed tree's size: trees 6–12 inches DBH require 1:1 replacement, 12–24 inches require 2:1, and 24+ inches (heritage) require 3:1 or higher. Replacement trees must meet minimum standards: 2-inch caliper for deciduous trees, 6-foot height for evergreens. Species must be from Reno's approved planting list appropriate for the Mountain West's arid desert climate. Replacement trees must be planted within 6 months of removal, either on the same property or at an approved off-site location. Where planting is impractical, an in-lieu fee ($300–$800 per required tree) may be paid to the city tree fund, which finances public tree planting.
Failure to plant required replacements within 6 months: $200–$500 per tree plus ongoing penalties. Replacement trees that die within 2 years must be re-planted.
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See how Reno's tree replacement requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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