Tree Trimming & Pruning in Ohio

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.

Silver and Norway maple: common older street trees; storm breakage and surface roots Honeylocust and London planetree: common modern street trees Ash: mostly dead or treated; emerald ash borer

Late fall–winter: Dormant-season pruning and removals; watch for early lake-effect snow Spring: Ice and wind; avoid pruning oaks in spring

The snowbelt east of Cleveland gets repeated heavy snow that bends and breaks limbs, especially early in the season before leaves drop.

Freezing rain is most common in central and southern Ohio, where glazed silver maples and pears drop limbs across streets and service drops.

The June 2012 derecho crossed Ohio with hurricane-force gusts; summer storms remain the biggest cause of sudden tree failures.