Midwest region
Tree removal and tree care in Ohio
Ohio's tree problems split by region: lake-effect snow in the northeast snowbelt, summer windstorms like the June 2012 derecho in central and southern Ohio, and dead ash statewide. Private-lot removals generally need no permit, but Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati require one for work on street trees.
City guides in Ohio
Ohio's older neighborhoods were planted heavily with ash, silver maple and Norway maple. Emerald ash borer was confirmed in Ohio in 2003 and has since moved through the whole state, which is why so many Ohio removal jobs are standing dead ash. Dead ash loses strength quickly, and crews often need a lift or crane instead of climbing.
Callery pear is the other common removal. Once a favorite ornamental, it splits at weak forks and spreads aggressively into fields and roadsides. Ohio added it to its invasive plant list, and new sales and plantings have been banned since January 2023, so homeowners are replacing older pears rather than planting more.
Reviewed and updated
Snowbelt, derechos, ash borer and pears in Ohio
Lake-effect snow
The snowbelt east of Cleveland gets repeated heavy snow that bends and breaks limbs, especially early in the season before leaves drop.
Derechos and severe storms
The June 2012 derecho crossed Ohio with hurricane-force gusts; summer storms remain the biggest cause of sudden tree failures.
Emerald ash borer
Present statewide since the 2000s; untreated ash die within a few years.
Ice storms
Freezing rain is most common in central and southern Ohio, where glazed silver maples and pears drop limbs across streets and service drops.
Invasive Callery pear
Weak-wooded and spreading into natural areas; a frequent removal.
Ohio's maples, ash, pears and oaks
- Ash
- Mostly dead or treated; emerald ash borer
- Silver and Norway maple
- Common older street trees; storm breakage and surface roots
- Callery pear
- Invasive; splits at narrow forks
- Pin and red oak
- Large shade trees in older suburbs
- Honeylocust and London planetree
- Common modern street trees
Snowbelt, central Ohio and the hilly southwest
- Northeast Ohio's snowbelt, east of Cleveland, gets repeated lake-effect snow that loads limbs for weeks.
- Central Ohio around Columbus sees more summer windstorms, like the June 2012 derecho.
- Southwest Ohio around Cincinnati is hilly, and trees on steep lots and slopes prone to landslides need careful removal planning.
- Northwest Ohio is where emerald ash borer was first found in the state, in 2003.
Ohio city guides
Ohio's three city guides show how different one state can be: Columbus on flat, glacial ground with street-tree permits, Cleveland with lake-effect snow and tree lawns, and Cincinnati on steep, landslide-prone hillsides.
Forestry permits for street trees, ash and Callery pears.
Lake-effect snow, tree lawns and Norway maples.
Landslide-prone hillsides and Urban Forestry permits for street trees.
Street tree permits in Ohio cities
- In Ohio, tree permits are a city matter: Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati all require one for street trees, while backyard trees are generally the owner's call.
- Columbus: a Forestry permit is required for any work on a public tree or within its critical root zone. Street trees always need one, regardless of condition, and an ISA Certified Arborist from the tree company applies.
- Cleveland: Urban Forestry permits are required for pruning, removal, planting, root pruning and stump grinding of trees on city-managed land, including most tree-lawn trees.
Sources (checked 2026-10-01)
Rules change and details depend on your exact property. Confirm with the city or county before work starts. This isn't legal advice.
Ohio's tree-work seasons
Ohio's oak wilt guidance means oaks should be pruned in the dormant season, not spring or early summer. Summer thunderstorms and winter ice account for most emergency calls.
- Late fall–winter
- Dormant-season pruning and removals; watch for early lake-effect snow
- Spring
- Ice and wind; avoid pruning oaks in spring
- Summer
- Derecho and thunderstorm season
Ohio services by risk
Dead ash statewide.
Callery pears and declining maples.
Lake-effect snow and summer windstorms.
Street trees need a city permit in many cities.
Ohio tree questions
Do I need a permit to remove the tree between my sidewalk and street in Ohio?
In most Ohio cities, yes, because that tree usually belongs to the city. Columbus and Cleveland both require a forestry permit before any pruning, removal or stump grinding of a tree-lawn tree. Check with your city's forestry office first.
Can I still plant a Bradford pear in Ohio?
No. Callery pear, including Bradford, is on Ohio's invasive plant list, and selling or planting it has been prohibited since January 2023. Existing trees aren't required to come down.
Why do dead ash trees cost more to remove?
Dead ash dries out and becomes brittle, so it can't be climbed and rigged the way a live tree can. Crews often use a bucket truck or crane to take it down safely, which adds equipment time.
Need tree help in Ohio?
Call to speak with a local tree-service provider about removal, trimming, stumps or storm damage. Describe the tree and what it's near, and they'll explain the next step.