Tree Removal and Protected Trees Rules

Regulated trees on private property, including removal permits, replacement planting and protected species.

What typically applies

These are patterns seen across many US jurisdictions. They are not the rule at your address, because zoning is adopted locally.

• Many cities regulate removal by tree size, species or diameter at breast height.
• Protected or heritage tree lists often cover native oaks, specimen trees and street trees.
• Removal permits frequently require replacement planting or payment into a tree fund.
• Trees in the public verge or right-of-way are usually regulated separately from yard trees.

What most often changes the answer locally

• Species and measured trunk diameter.
• Whether the tree is in a protected list, heritage register or the public verge.
• Whether removal is justified by hazard, disease or construction.
• Replacement ratios and allowable substitute species.
• Neighbour boundary, root damage and view disputes.

Get a checklist for your address

Questions to ask your local department

1. Ask whether your tree species or diameter triggers a removal permit.
2. Confirm whether the tree sits in the public right-of-way, which is regulated differently.
3. Ask about replacement planting ratios or in-lieu fees.
4. Check whether hazard removal needs an arborist report before work begins.

See all project types on the yard rules hub, or use the yard rules checker for a different project.

ZoneFig provides general reference information, not legal advice. Yard and zoning rules are adopted locally, so the only binding answer for your address comes from your city, town or county planning and building department. Typical thresholds shown here describe patterns across many jurisdictions and are not the rule at any specific property.