The St. Louis Forestry Division replaces public trees that are removed due to disease, damage, or construction. The city plants thousands of trees per year through its reforestation program. Private developers may be required to include replacement trees as part of landscape plans during site review. The loss of ash trees to Emerald Ash Borer has driven significant replanting with diverse species throughout the city.
St. Louis tree replacement ordinance requires planting new trees when permitted removals occur. Standard replacement ratios range from 1:1 to 3:1 depending on the size and species of the removed tree. Replacement trees must meet minimum caliper requirements, typically 1.5 to 2 inch caliper at planting. Approved species lists ensure appropriate native or adapted varieties. Replacement trees must be planted on the same property when space allows, or a fee-in-lieu paid to the city tree fund. A maintenance period of 1 to 2 years ensures establishment.
Failure to replace: $250 to $1,000 per tree plus required planting. Fee-in-lieu non-payment: lien on property.
St. Louis, MO
St. Louis has no city ordinance restricting residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays on private property. Property maintenance code under ...
St. Louis, MO
St. Louis has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Inflatables are permitted on private property subject to rig...
St. Louis, MO
St. Louis has no city ordinance setting installation dates, removal deadlines, or brightness limits for residential holiday lights. Lights may stay up year-r...
St. Louis, MO
Built-in outdoor kitchens in St. Louis require permits through the Building Division: a building permit for the structure, a gas-line permit for natural-gas ...
St. Louis, MO
St. Louis has no city-specific ordinance regulating residential backyard smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens at single-family properties. Operation i...
St. Louis, MO
St. Louis adopts the 2018 International Fire Code under SLRC Title 25. IFC §308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices (charcoal, wood) and propane tanks l...
See how St. Louis's tree replacement requirements rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.