Columbia Street Tree Forestry Permit

Many Columbia homes have trees along the street that belong to the City or sit in the public right-of-way. Those trees fall under different rules than trees in your backyard, and even pruning them requires City permission.

This guide summarizes the City's Forestry Permit and what the application asks for.

When a Forestry Permit is required

The City's Landscape & Tree Ordinance page says that for any work performed within the drip line or plant bed of a public right-of-way or City-owned property, including maintenance pruning or removal, a Forestry Permit is required. The drip line is the area under the outer edge of the branches, so the rule can apply even when the work is on your side of the sidewalk.

The page also notes that the separate Tree Removal Permit, which applies to private property excluding single-family residential lots, is not for street trees.

Activities listed on the application

The Forestry Permit application, issued by the City's Forestry and Beautification Department and referencing Sec. 17-2.5n of the City code, lists the actions that need a permit: performing construction work within the drip line of a tree or plant bed; attaching any object to a tree, shrub or guard; placing compacted stone or an impervious surface; new planting; maintenance pruning; utility trimming; diseased removal; safety hazard removal; and trenching, digging or changing the grade within the critical root zone of any tree or plant bed. Placing stone or impervious surfaces and new planting also require a permanent encroachment.

Pruning standards

The application states that maintenance pruning and utility trimming must comply with ANSI A300, the national standard for tree care practices. Applicants attest that they have read Section 17-5.4 Tree Protection of the City's Unified Development Ordinance and the ANSI A300 standards. Hire a crew familiar with A300 pruning and ask how they will meet it.

What to submit

The checklist asks for the completed application checklist, a signed application form and payment of the required fee under the Unified Development Ordinance fee schedule. A site plan or previously approved landscape plan may be required, along with a replacement or density mitigation plan if applicable. The form asks for applicant and property information, a description of the trees and proposed activity, and the condition of the trees; it notes that a certified arborist report may be required. Angi's 2026 tree inspection guide puts a full arborist report at about $350–$550.

Responsibility and penalties

By signing, the applicant accepts responsibility for following the City's tree protection requirements and may be held jointly responsible with the landowner for restitution if improper removal causes environmental damage, as determined by the City's tree protection professional. The application notes this may result in remedies and monetary penalties under Section 17-8.6 or state law. Doing work on a street tree without a permit is a risk for both the homeowner and the contractor.

Hazardous street trees

If a street tree looks dead, is dropping large limbs or is leaning dangerously, contact the City's Forestry and Beautification Department rather than removing it yourself. The application lists safety hazard removal and diseased removal among permitted actions, so the City has a process for these situations.

Driveways, sidewalks and utilities

Projects such as widening a driveway, replacing a walkway or running a utility line near a street tree can involve digging within the critical root zone, which the application lists as permitted activity. Plan these projects with the tree in mind and apply before work starts.

Planning ahead for a project

If you are planning a driveway apron, sidewalk replacement, irrigation line, fence or new landscaping along the street, look at where the nearest street trees are and how far their canopies reach. Because the Forestry Permit covers work within the drip line, the permit may be needed even when the trunk is several feet away from your work. Apply early, since applications may require a site plan and, where applicable, a replacement or density mitigation plan, and staff may ask for a certified arborist report.

Talk with your contractor about how the work will be done near roots. Hand digging, boring under roots rather than trenching through them, and keeping heavy equipment off the root zone reduce damage and make approval easier.

Utility trimming

The application lists utility trimming separately and requires it to follow ANSI A300. If a utility or its contractor trims street trees near your home, they operate under their own procedures and permits; if you have concerns, contact the utility and the City's Forestry and Beautification Department.

Attaching things to street trees

Attaching objects to a public tree, shrub or tree guard is a listed activity that needs a Forestry Permit. That includes signs, lights, swings and decorations. Nails, screws and wires can injure trees and girdle limbs over time.

Fees

The Forestry Permit application says the required fee is set by the City's Unified Development Ordinance fee schedule. Ask Forestry and Beautification staff for the current amount when you apply, and include it in your project budget alongside any arborist report.

Published tree service cost estimates

Sources: Angi: Tree removal cost (2026); Angi: Stump grinding cost (2026); Angi: Tree service cost; Angi: Tree inspection cost (2026); Angi: Arborist cost (2026). Figures are published national or regional estimates compiled by those sites, labeled as estimates; they are not quotes and not prices from any provider on this site. National published estimates; Midlands prices vary with access, tree size, proximity to structures and lines, and storm demand.

Local rules and code references

• City of Columbia Landscape & Tree Ordinance (Planning & Development Services): a no-fee Tree Removal Permit is required for removing trees on private property, excluding single-family residential lots and street trees; a Forestry Permit is required for any work in the drip line of trees in a public right-of-way or on City property, including pruning and removal; tree protection plans or permits are required for construction, grading and similar work.
• City of Columbia Forestry Permit Application: permit application for work affecting public trees, referencing Sec. 17-2.5n and Sec. 17-5.4 Tree Protection; pruning must follow ANSI A300 standards and a certified arborist report may be required.
• City of Columbia Tree Protection Detail: standard tree protection detail referencing Sec. 17-5.4(f)(4), showing protective fencing around the critical root zone during construction.

Code text and department procedures change; confirm current requirements with the jurisdiction before work starts.