Protected trees
Street trees (usually between the sidewalk and curb) need city approval to remove or replace. We could not confirm protection for other private trees.
Tree permits · Kentucky
Do you need a tree removal permit in Lexington, KY?
Street trees
The property owner maintains the street tree. A permit is needed to remove, replace or plant a street tree, and the city checks the property before issuing it. A removed street tree must be replaced within one year. Prune street trees to at least 7 feet above sidewalks and 12 feet above streets. The city suggests using an ISA Certified Arborist.
Dead or hazardous trees
The city runs a hazard street tree cost-share program for eligible owners, based on income and while funds last.
How to apply
Use the city's online Street Tree Removal and Planting Permit Application, or contact the Division of Environmental Services Urban Forestry program (200 E. Main St., 859-258-3404, urbanforestry@lexingtonky.gov).
HOA note
HOA rules can be stricter; check yours.
A city permit does not override your HOA. Check your covenants before work starts.
Official sources
Last checked 26 October 2026. Rules change; check the official source before work starts. Short explanation, not legal advice. Spotted a change? See our corrections page.
For homeowners
Before a tree comes down in Lexington
- Check the city rule above and call the city if anything is unclear.
- Ask the tree company who gets the permit and put it in the written quote.
- Get two or three written quotes from local insured pros.
- Never cut near power lines. Call the utility for downed lines and 911 if anyone is in danger.
- Tree permits: what to ask
- How to hire a tree service
- Tree care in Kentucky
- Kentucky tree service rules
Find local pros on Google Maps and read their reviews. Lirevon does not do tree work and does not list or rank tree companies.
Own a tree service in Lexington?
Permit questions mean calls. Answer every one.
Missed-call text-back, lead follow-up, online booking and review requests, set up for tree companies. Link this page in your quotes so customers know the rules.
More tree permits in Kentucky
Lexington tree permit questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Lexington, KY?
We could not confirm a city tree permit rule for Lexington. Call the city before removing a large tree. In Lexington, property owners care for the street trees between the sidewalk and curb, and they need a city permit to remove, replace or plant one. We could not confirm a city rule for trees elsewhere on private land. Call Urban Forestry before removing a large tree. Our confidence: medium. Short explanation, not legal advice.
Which trees are protected in Lexington?
Street trees (usually between the sidewalk and curb) need city approval to remove or replace. We could not confirm protection for other private trees.
Can I remove or prune a street tree in front of my house in Lexington?
The property owner maintains the street tree. A permit is needed to remove, replace or plant a street tree, and the city checks the property before issuing it. A removed street tree must be replaced within one year. Prune street trees to at least 7 feet above sidewalks and 12 feet above streets. The city suggests using an ISA Certified Arborist.
Do I need a permit to remove a dead or dangerous tree in Lexington?
The city runs a hazard street tree cost-share program for eligible owners, based on income and while funds last.
How do I apply for a tree permit in Lexington?
Use the city's online Street Tree Removal and Planting Permit Application, or contact the Division of Environmental Services Urban Forestry program (200 E. Main St., 859-258-3404, urbanforestry@lexingtonky.gov).
Do HOA rules matter for tree removal in Lexington?
HOA rules can be stricter; check yours. Read your HOA covenants or ask the board before work starts.
What should I have ready before I call the city?
Your address, the tree species if you know it, the trunk width measured about 4.5 feet above the ground, photos of the whole tree, and whether it is near the street, a sidewalk or a power line. Ask if a permit is needed and how long it takes.
Will the tree company get the permit for me?
Some do and some do not. Ask before you sign, and get it in writing who applies and who pays the fee. In many places the property owner is the one responsible for following the rules.
Is this page legal advice?
No. It is a short, plain summary of public rules with links to the official sources. For a firm answer on your property, ask the city or a local attorney.
How current is this Lexington information?
We last checked it on 26 October 2026 against the official sources listed on this page. City rules change, so check the official source or call the city before work starts.
Short explanation, not legal advice. Last checked 26 October 2026.