Do You Need a Permit to Remove a Tree on Your Property? (2026 City-by-City Guide)

# Do You Need a Permit to Remove a Tree on Your Property?

The honest answer: it depends entirely on where you live.

Some cities have zero restrictions on removing trees from private property. Others require permits for any tree above 6 inches in diameter and fine violators up to $100,000 per tree. The rules vary dramatically — even between neighboring cities in the same state.

Here's how to figure out what applies to your property.

The General Rule

Most cities do NOT require permits for routine tree trimming or pruning. You can trim branches, shape canopies, and remove deadwood without asking anyone.

Tree REMOVAL is where permits kick in. Many cities regulate the removal of trees above a certain diameter — typically measured at 4.5 feet above ground (called "diameter at breast height" or DBH).

Cities With Strict Tree Removal Rules

These cities are known for aggressive tree protection ordinances:

CityPermit ThresholdFine for Violation Atlanta, GA6" DBH on commercial, heritage trees on residential$500-$5,000 per tree Portland, OR12" DBH on developed residential lots$1,000-$50,000 Austin, TX19" DBH ("heritage tree")$1,000-$100,000 per tree San Antonio, TX24" DBH ("heritage tree")Up to $500/inch Los Angeles, CAProtected species of any size (oaks, sycamores, bay laurels)$1,000-$100,000 Seattle, WA"Exceptional trees" (certain species/sizes)$5,000-$90,000 Washington, DC55" circumference (~17.5" diameter)$300 per inch

Cities With Minimal or No Restrictions

Not every city regulates private tree removal. In general, rural areas and many cities in these states have few or no tree removal permit requirements on private property:

But even in "no permit" cities, there are exceptions:

How to Check Your City's Rules

What Happens If You Remove a Tree Without a Permit?

The consequences of unpermitted tree removal are surprisingly severe:

Fines: $500 to $100,000+ per tree depending on the city. Atlanta fines $500-$5,000. Austin can go up to $100,000 for a heritage tree. Portland fines up to $50,000.

Mandatory replacement: Many cities require you to plant replacement trees at a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio. If you removed one 24-inch oak, you may need to plant 2-3 replacement trees and maintain them for 3 years.

Stop-work orders: If you're removing trees as part of a construction project, the city can halt all work on your property until the violation is resolved.

Problems when selling: Unpermitted tree removal can surface during a title search or home inspection. A buyer may require you to pay fines or plant replacements before closing.

How Much Does a Tree Removal Permit Cost?

Tree removal permits are relatively cheap — the fine for not getting one is not:

Compare that to fines of $1,000-$100,000 and the cost of a $50-$500 permit is trivial.

Exemptions That Usually Don't Require a Permit

Even in strict cities, these situations are typically exempt:

Important: Even with exemptions, take photos before removal to document why the tree qualified. If the city questions it later, you'll have proof.

Tree Trimming: Usually No Permit Needed

Routine trimming and pruning on private property rarely requires a permit. Exceptions:

Use our tree trimming cost calculator to estimate what professional trimming costs in your area.

Bottom Line

Check before you cut. The 5 minutes it takes to look up your city's tree ordinance can save you thousands in fines. When in doubt:

The permit costs $50-$500. The fine costs $1,000-$100,000. This is not a close call.

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*Check our city-by-city tree permit guide for specific requirements in your area. Last updated April 2026.*