For homeowners
Do homeowners associations have rules about tree removal?
Short answer
Many do. An association may ask for approval before you remove or heavily prune a tree, even when the city requires nothing. Read your community rules and ask the board in writing before work starts. Tell the tree company what the association said.
By Umair Nawaz. Published October 25, 2026. General information, not legal, tax or insurance advice.
The longer answer
A homeowners association can set rules that are stricter than the city's. Some limit removal of certain trees, ask for a form, or require a replacement tree. Some control who may work in the community.
Start with your written community rules. If the answer is not clear, send the board a short email and keep the reply. Share it with the tree company.
If you skip approval, the association may fine you or ask you to replace the tree. Rules differ by state; see /tree-service-license for your state's official sources. This is a short explanation, not legal advice. Check with your state, county and city, and ask your own insurance agent or an attorney about your case.
More answers for homeowners
- Do I need a permit to remove a dead tree?Read the answer
- Do I need a permit to remove a tree near a power line?Read the answer
- Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my own property?Read the answer
- Do I need a written contract for tree work?Read the answer
- Do I need to be home when a tree company removes a tree?Read the answer
- Does tree removal include the stump and cleanup?Read the answer
Hiring a tree service?
Plain guides for homeowners
Safety first: stay away from downed power lines and call the utility; call 911 if anyone is in danger. Lirevon does not do tree work. Find local pros on Google Maps and read their reviews, then get two or three written quotes.
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