Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my property?

Tree rules are local. There is no federal tree permit and almost no state-level permit for a tree in a private yard. Instead, thousands of cities and counties each have their own ordinance, or none at all. That is why the honest answer is "it depends," and why the table below is organized the way it is.

The good news: the rules follow a few patterns. Once you know your city's trunk-size threshold and protected-species list, you know the answer for every tree on your lot.

Which trees usually need a permit?

Four categories cover most ordinances. First, size: trees over a set trunk diameter, commonly 6–12 inches, measured at "breast height," 4.5 ft above the ground. Second, location: trees on the public strip between the sidewalk and the street, which the city owns even though you mow around it. Third, species: trees your city lists as protected, native, or heritage, like live oaks in the South or Garry oaks in the Pacific Northwest. Fourth, zones: any tree in a designated conservation area, wetland buffer, or steep slope. A small ornamental in the middle of your backyard rarely needs anything.

How do I check if I need a tree removal permit?

Search your city or county name plus "tree removal permit" or "tree ordinance." If nothing comes up, call the planning, zoning, or urban forestry department and ask two questions: what trunk diameter triggers a permit, and is my species protected. Ten minutes on the phone settles it. Reputable tree companies also know the local rules cold and will usually pull the permit for you as part of the job, so it is worth asking when you get a quote. What a good quote includes is covered on how much it costs to remove a tree.

How much does a tree removal permit cost?

Typically $25–$150. Some cities issue them free, and a few large cities charge more for heritage trees or for large lots. The bigger cost is often the condition attached: many cities require you to plant a replacement tree, sometimes two, or pay an in-lieu fee to the city's tree fund instead. Approval usually takes a few days to a few weeks, so build that into your schedule if you are planning removal before a construction project.

What happens if I remove a tree without a permit?

Fines commonly run from a few hundred dollars up to $1,000 or more per tree, and some cities calculate the fine from the tree's appraised value, which can reach five figures for a large heritage tree. You may also be ordered to plant replacements at your own cost, and in some cities an unpermitted removal can hold up a later building permit on the same property. Neighbors report these more often than you would think. If a company offers to skip the permit to save you time, that is a reason to pick a different company.

Do I need a permit for a dead tree?

Often no, but many cities still want you to file a simple notice or get a quick inspection confirming the tree is dead before you cut. Do not assume; a dead tree that belongs to a protected species can still require paperwork. Take clear photos of the tree before removal showing it is dead, since an inspector may ask afterward. If you are not sure whether it is actually dead, our guide to signs a tree is dead or dying walks through the checks.

Do I need a permit if I remove the tree myself?

Yes, the rule is about the tree, not who cuts it. A homeowner removing a 20-inch oak without a permit faces the same fine as a company would. That said, the trees a homeowner can safely remove are usually small enough to fall under the threshold anyway. Where that safety line is, and how to tell, is on can I remove a tree myself?

Not yet independently reviewed. Permit rules change and vary by city. Confirm with your local planning department before removing any tree.