Guide · Updated July 2026 Tree Removal Permits: When You Need One
The three common regimes
- No permit needed: most rural areas, unincorporated counties, and many towns — trees on private property are yours to manage.
- Size/species thresholds: the most common city pattern. Trees above a set trunk diameter, or specific protected species (oaks are the classic), need a permit. Dead and hazardous trees usually qualify for fast, cheap, or free approval.
- Permit for everything: a minority of cities (often in California, Florida, and the Pacific Northwest) require review for essentially any significant tree.
How to check your rules in 10 minutes
- Search "[your city] tree removal permit" — the municipal code or an urban forestry page usually appears directly.
- Look for the diameter threshold (measured at 4.5 ft above ground, called DBH) and the protected species list.
- If your tree is dead or hazardous, look for the exemption process — usually a photo or a short arborist letter.
- Ask your tree service. Established local crews pull these permits weekly and will know the answer instantly — it's also a good vetting question.
Costs that ride along with permits
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Permit fee | $25 – $150 |
| Arborist hazard letter (when required) | $75 – $250 |
| Replacement planting requirement | $100 – $400 per tree |
| Tree-fund payment in lieu of replanting | varies; can reach $300+ per tree |
Permit FAQ
Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my own property?
It depends entirely on your city or county. Many US municipalities require a permit for removing trees above a set trunk diameter — thresholds commonly start at just 6–12 inches DBH (Atlanta triggers at 6 inches), with 19–24 inch thresholds reserved for 'heritage' tiers in cities like Austin. Rural and unincorporated areas usually require nothing. Always check before cutting — this is a city-by-city rule, not a state or federal one.
How much does a tree removal permit cost?
Typically $25–$150 where required, though the full range runs from free (Portland, OR eliminated most fees in 2025) or $15 per tree in small cities up to $500 in strict jurisdictions. Some cities waive fees for dead or hazardous trees with an arborist's letter; many add replanting requirements — either planting replacement trees or paying into a tree fund, which can add hundreds of dollars.
What happens if I remove a tree without a required permit?
Fines commonly range from $500 to $10,000+ per tree, and some cities also require replacement plantings at punishing ratios (two or three new trees per tree removed). Cities enforce via neighbor complaints and aerial imagery comparisons — it is genuinely enforced.
Whose job is it to get the permit — mine or the tree service's?
Legally, responsibility usually lands on the property owner, but established local tree services know the rules and often handle the application as part of the job. Ask every bidder how permits work in your city; a company that shrugs at the question is a red flag.