Rules & responsibility

Tree removal permits: do you need one?

Updated October 1, 2026 · Guide by TreeRemovalServices.net

Short answer

Whether you need a tree removal permit depends on where you live; there's no national one. Common triggers are trunk size (often 6 to 24 inches in diameter), protected native species, trees in the street right-of-way, historic districts, and development projects. Some cities regulate nearly every tree; many regulate none on existing single-family lots. Check with your city or county before cutting.

Mature shade trees along a quiet residential street

How permit rules are usually built

Size: measured as diameter at breast height (DBH), 4.5 feet above ground.
Species: many cities protect specific natives, such as oaks in California and live oaks in parts of Texas and Florida.
Location: street trees between the sidewalk and curb usually belong to the city.
Condition: dead or hazardous trees may be exempt, or still need a permit (Atlanta requires one even for dead trees).
State law: Florida's §163.045 exempts residential trees documented by an ISA Certified Arborist as an unacceptable risk.

Verified examples

We only list rules we could confirm with an official or primary source (checked October 2026). Rules change, so always confirm locally.

Atlanta, GA

Rule of thumb: Permit for any private tree 6" DBH or larger, including dead trees

Austin, TX

Rule of thumb: Permit for trees 19"+; stricter heritage rules at 24"+ for listed species

Seattle, WA

Rule of thumb: Most private trees 6"+ regulated since 2023

Los Angeles, CA

Rule of thumb: Native oaks, sycamores, black walnut and bay laurel protected from 4"

Tampa, FL

Rule of thumb: Permit for most trees 5"+; grand trees 32"+ need extra review

New York City

Rule of thumb: Street trees are city property; NYC Parks permit for any work

Dallas, TX

Rule of thumb: Most single-family lots under 2 acres exempt

Examples of local tree rules
Place	Rule of thumb
Atlanta, GA	Permit for any private tree 6" DBH or larger, including dead trees
Austin, TX	Permit for trees 19"+; stricter heritage rules at 24"+ for listed species
Seattle, WA	Most private trees 6"+ regulated since 2023
Los Angeles, CA	Native oaks, sycamores, black walnut and bay laurel protected from 4"
Tampa, FL	Permit for most trees 5"+; grand trees 32"+ need extra review
New York City	Street trees are city property; NYC Parks permit for any work
Dallas, TX	Most single-family lots under 2 acres exempt

Don't forget HOAs and utilities

Homeowners associations often require approval to remove front-yard trees, even where the city doesn't. And before digging or stump grinding anywhere, call 811 so buried utilities are marked.

Sources

Atlanta Tree Conservation Commission (checked 2026-10-01)
Florida Statutes §163.045 (checked 2026-10-01)
Seattle SDCI tree protection code (checked 2026-10-01)
Los Angeles protected tree regulations (checked 2026-10-01)
City of Tampa tree information (checked 2026-10-01)
NYC Parks forestry FAQ (checked 2026-10-01)

Common questions

What happens if I remove a protected tree without a permit?

Penalties vary: fines, replacement planting, payments into a tree fund, and in some cities, per-inch mitigation that can add up quickly. In New York City, unauthorized street-tree removal can mean fines and even jail.

Does the tree company get the permit?

Sometimes. In Denver, licensed contractors pull right-of-way permits. Elsewhere it's the owner's job. Ask the company, and don't let work start until any required permit is in hand.

Editorial note: this guide is general information written for homeowners. It isn't a substitute for an on-site assessment by a qualified arborist, or for legal or insurance advice.