Protected trees
The city pages we checked do not list protected private trees by species or size.
Tree permits · Utah
Do you need a tree removal permit in Salt Lake City, UT?
Street trees
All trees in the park strip between the sidewalk and the road, and all trees in parks, are city trees. A permit is required before removing, pruning or planting any tree in the public right-of-way, and permits are only issued to arborists certified by the International Society of Arboriculture. The city says it removes trees only as a last resort, not just because roots lift a sidewalk or the tree is messy.
Dead or hazardous trees
Urban Forestry responds to emergencies, such as a broken tree or limb blocking a street, sidewalk or driveway; call the Urban Forestry office.
How to apply
Apply with the online Tree Work Permit Application (slcgov.opencounter.com). Call Urban Forestry first to confirm whether the tree is in the public right-of-way: (801) 972-7818, Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 4 pm.
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 Salt Lake City
- 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.
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 Salt Lake City?
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.
Salt Lake City tree permit questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Salt Lake City, UT?
We could not confirm a city tree permit rule for Salt Lake City. Call the city before removing a large tree. Salt Lake City treats every tree in the park strip between the sidewalk and the road as a city tree, and you need a permit before removing, pruning or planting any tree in the public right-of-way. The city pages we checked do not describe a permit rule for trees fully on private land, so call Urban Forestry before removing a large tree. Our confidence: medium. Short explanation, not legal advice.
Which trees are protected in Salt Lake City?
The city pages we checked do not list protected private trees by species or size.
Can I remove or prune a street tree in front of my house in Salt Lake City?
All trees in the park strip between the sidewalk and the road, and all trees in parks, are city trees. A permit is required before removing, pruning or planting any tree in the public right-of-way, and permits are only issued to arborists certified by the International Society of Arboriculture. The city says it removes trees only as a last resort, not just because roots lift a sidewalk or the tree is messy.
Do I need a permit to remove a dead or dangerous tree in Salt Lake City?
Urban Forestry responds to emergencies, such as a broken tree or limb blocking a street, sidewalk or driveway; call the Urban Forestry office.
How do I apply for a tree permit in Salt Lake City?
Apply with the online Tree Work Permit Application (slcgov.opencounter.com). Call Urban Forestry first to confirm whether the tree is in the public right-of-way: (801) 972-7818, Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 4 pm.
Do HOA rules matter for tree removal in Salt Lake City?
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 Salt Lake City 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.