YardCareDirectory

Missouri Tree Removal Permit Requirements

LOCAL RULES VARY

No statewide requirement. St. Louis and Kansas City have the most developed local ordinances.

Issuing authority: City forestry or planning department
Protected Species
3
City Rules Listed
2
Protected Species in MO
Flowering Dogwood (state tree)Bur OakSycamore
These species commonly trigger permit requirements or stricter review in Missouri jurisdictions. Check with your specific city — protections vary by municipality.
Common Exemptions
  • +Private property trees in most areas
  • +Dead trees
  • +Storm damage

Exemptions still often require documentation. Bring photos, contractor assessments, or an ISA-certified arborist report to support a hazard or disease claim.

Rules by City in Missouri

St. Louis

Street trees are city property. Trees in historic preservation districts require approval.

Fee: $45 permit feeHistoric district rules can be stringent for visible trees.
Kansas City

Trees in regulated zones require permits. Heritage trees require Parks and Recreation board review.

Fee: $40–$100Kansas City has a tree canopy initiative targeting 30% coverage.
Tips for Missouri Homeowners
  1. In Missouri, if you are not in a historic or conservation district, private property tree removal is largely unrestricted.
  2. Kansas City's urban canopy program includes free tree planting programs — consider replacement as part of removal projects.
Find tree services in Missouri that handle permits
Licensed professionals know local rules and will pull permits for you.
Tree Services in Missouri