Which tree rules apply in St. Louis?
St. Louis City requires a Permit to Maintain for private work on a City Tree, including pruning and removal. Nearby municipalities have their own rules. Identify the jurisdiction before booking work. [1002]
Updated 2026-10-25
A St. Louis mailing address is not enough to decide the permit question.
Start with St. Louis City Forestry
Ordinance 68607, section 12, requires the permit before maintenance on a City Tree. City Property includes public rights-of-way, including the tree lawn between sidewalk and curb. [1010] The city's application instructions require a qualifying commercial tree service and identify the person performing the work. Ask Forestry to confirm eligibility and approval. This page is not proof that any specific contractor is approved. [1002]
Clayton
Clayton's Article XXX governs trees and landscaping. Its applicability provisions distinguish development projects, demolition for redevelopment and pre-development tree removal. Do not treat those project rules as a blanket exemption for private land. Ask the city which provisions apply to the proposed work. [1011]
Kirkwood
Kirkwood section 24-4 requires a Tree Clearing Permit for clearcutting on private property. Tree-protection plans also apply to specified development and disturbance projects. This is not a claim that every individual backyard removal requires that permit. Describe the whole project to the Urban Forester. [1004]
University City
University City's tree code defines a Forestry Activity Permit for removing, pruning or planting City trees. It also applies to removal on private property for certain development projects. An Arborist Permit is a separate requirement for covered work. Confirm both the project approval and the contractor requirements. [1012]
Ladue
Ladue Ordinance 2326 amends Chapter 102. Section 102-11 covers living trees with a caliper of six inches or more, with separate woodland and right-of-way rules. The dead or dying exception requires a written determination by a certified tree professional. Section 102-10 calls for additional committee review for specified larger removals and Landmark Trees. Ask the city to confirm current requirements before relying on an exception. [1034]
Keep the approval with the work order
Confirm who applies, which tree is approved and exactly what work is allowed. If the scope changes, check with the municipality before cutting. An approval in one municipality does not answer another municipality's requirements.
Questions about this work
Can I hire someone to prune a City Tree?
Use the city's Permit to Maintain process first. The application identifies the tree, proposed work and performing company. Approval is not automatic. [1002]