The only hub covering permit requirements for every U.S. state — with city-specific rules, cost data, timelines, and a free permit checker.
Not sure if your tree needs a permit? Answer 5 questions.
Use the Permit Checker →The general rules across most U.S. cities — size thresholds, species protections, and common exemptions explained.
City-by-city cost data from free to over $500 per tree. What affects pricing and what to expect.
From same-day to 30+ days — what determines timeline and how to speed up your application.
Storm damage, imminent hazard, power line contact — when you can remove first and notify later.
Who owns a boundary tree? Who gets a permit? Who pays? What if your neighbor refuses?
Dead trees, small trees, invasive species, utility work — situations where a permit may not be required.
There is no federal law requiring tree removal permits on private property. Rules vary dramatically by state, county, and city. Select your state below:
City-by-city variation. Austin's heritage tree ordinance is among the strictest in the US.
County and city rules dominate. Oak trees have special protections in dozens of jurisdictions.
No statewide law. Miami-Dade and many coastal cities have strong specimen tree rules.
Atlanta and DeKalb County have significant tree ordinances. Most rural areas require no permit.
Portland's urban forestry program is among the most comprehensive in the nation.
Seattle requires permits for trees over 6" DBH in residential zones.
Denver requires permits for significant trees. Many mountain towns have strict rules.
Charlotte has strong urban tree protections. Rules vary widely by municipality.
Fairfax and Arlington County have robust tree preservation ordinances.
Native plant removal permits required for saguaro cactus and other native species.
NYC's street tree program is the largest in the US. Private property rules vary by borough.
Chicago and suburban Cook County have tree preservation requirements.
Different rules often apply for dead and dying trees. Here's when you still need a permit and when you don't.
Most cities allow immediate removal of hazard trees after storms — with conditions. Know the rules before you cut.
Your HOA may have rules on top of city permit requirements — and may require its own approval process.
Building a home or addition? Tree clearing as part of new construction follows different permit rules.
What can you do about a neighbor's tree hanging over your yard — or threatening your home?
Who gets the permit — landlord or tenant? Who pays the fine if no permit is pulled?
Some tree species trigger automatic permit requirements or special review regardless of size. The most commonly protected species in the U.S.:
Protected in dozens of California, Texas, and Southeast jurisdictions. Often heritage-designated above 12" DBH.
Florida and California municipalities often protect native palms. Rules differ from standard canopy trees.
What makes a tree "heritage"? How designation works and what it means for your removal permit application.
Most jurisdictions have stricter rules for large trees — higher fees, longer timelines, mitigation requirements.
Our free permit checker walks you through state, city, tree type, and tree size to give you a plain-English answer — with explanation.
Launch Permit Checker →Step-by-step walkthrough: what forms to fill out, what documentation to bring, and how to speed up approval.
What happens if you remove a tree without a permit? Real fine data from cities across the U.S.
Many homeowners need both — but the rules are completely different. Here's how to navigate both processes.
A comprehensive list of tree species with legal protections — and what those protections mean for removal.
Dead tree rules differ from live tree rules in most jurisdictions. Often more flexible — but not always.
Building a house, addition, or pool? Construction clearing permits follow different rules than standard removal.