Tree replacement requirements by city
Mitigation-obligation table across 172 verified U.S. cities. Each row is the replacement ratio published in the city's ordinance — heritage and specimen trees typically carry higher ratios than standard protected trees.
Browse by state
All verified cities, ranked by replacement ratio
Sorted ascending by minimum n:1 ratio. Cities with text-only or retention-percentage rules appear last. Click a city for the full ordinance page or the ordinance link for the underlying municipal code.
| City | State | Replacement ratio | Replacement details | In-lieu fee/tree | Processing | Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose | California |
1:1
1:1 (one 15-gallon tree per permitted tree removed) |
One 15-gallon replacement tree per removal on residential projects. | — | 4-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Sacramento | California |
1:1
1:1 based on DBH of tree removed |
Replacement plan specifying location, monitoring, and maintenance. | — | 3-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Hayward | California |
1:1
1:1 for protected trees; 2:1 for heritage trees; caliper-inch mitigation option for large trees |
15-gallon minimum for 1:1 replacement; 24-inch box minimum for heritage tree replacement. In-lieu fees to the Tree Mitigation Fund when on-site replanting is infeasible. | — | 4-8 weeks | Ordinance |
| Saratoga | California |
1:1
1:1 inch-for-inch replacement for protected tree removal under SMC Article 15-50; tree appraisal valuation accepted in lieu of on-site replanting |
15-gallon to 24-inch box replacement trees from the approved native species list emphasizing oaks and hillside-adapted species; tree appraisal valuation deposit to the Tree Preservation Fund accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible. | — | — | Ordinance |
| Dublin | California |
1:1
1:1 minimum for heritage tree removal under DMC Chapter 5.60; in-lieu fees to the Tree Preservation Fund accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible |
15-gallon to 24-inch box replacement trees from the approved native species list; heritage tree replacements emphasize oak and California buckeye to maintain canopy continuity at the protected-species threshold. | — | — | Ordinance |
| Mountain View | California |
1:1
1:1 minimum for heritage tree removal under MVMC Chapter 32; 24-inch box replacement from the approved species list |
24-inch box minimum replacement trees from the approved Mountain View species list emphasizing oak, redwood, and cedar species to match removed heritage trees; in-lieu fees to the Tree Preservation Fund accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible. | — | — | Ordinance |
| Santa Cruz | California |
1:1
1:1 minimum for heritage tree removal; 24-inch box replacement from approved species list |
24-inch box replacement trees from the approved Santa Cruz heritage tree species list emphasizing native and climate-adapted species; in-lieu fees to the Heritage Tree Preservation Fund accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible. | — | 3-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Pleasanton | California |
1:1
1:1 minimum for heritage tree removal; 24-inch box replacement minimum from approved species list |
24-inch box replacement trees from the approved Pleasanton native and adapted species list; in-lieu fees to the Heritage Tree Preservation Fund accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible. | — | — | — |
| Glendale | California |
1:1
1:1 minimum for indigenous tree removal under GMC 12.44; replacement species drawn from the approved Glendale native species list |
24-inch box minimum replacement indigenous trees (California Live Oak, Valley Oak, California Black Walnut, Western Sycamore, California Bay) from the approved native species list; in-lieu fees to the Indigenous Tree Preservation Fund accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible. | — | 3-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Long Beach | California |
1:1
1:1 minimum for parkway trees; enhanced ratios for Heritage trees at Commission discretion |
Replacement species from approved Parkway Tree List; 15-gallon minimum container size; in-lieu fees to the city tree planting fund when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 4-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Oakland | California |
1:1
1:1 minimum for protected coast live oak removal; replacement species and ratio for other protected trees set as a permit condition by the city arborist |
Coast live oak replacements drawn from the approved native species list at 15-gallon to 24-inch box minimum sizing as set by city arborist condition; in-lieu fees to the Tree Replacement Fund accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible. | — | 2-4 weeks | Ordinance |
| San Mateo | California |
1:1
1:1 minimum for protected indigenous trees under the County Tree Ordinance; in-lieu fees to the County Tree Mitigation Fund accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible |
15-gallon to 24-inch box replacement trees from the approved indigenous species list (Coast Live Oak, Madrone, California Buckeye); county arborist sets specific sizing as a permit condition based on the removed tree's diameter. | — | 4-8 weeks | Ordinance |
| Ventura | California |
1:1
1:1 minimum for protected native tree removal under the Tree Protection Ordinance; 2:1 for trees with historical designation |
15-gallon minimum replacement trees from the approved native species list emphasizing oak and California sycamore; in-lieu fees to the Tree Preservation Fund accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible. | — | — | Ordinance |
| Beverly Hills | California |
1:1
1:1 minimum for protected tree removal under BHMC Article 29; higher ratios for landmark and heritage native designations at Council discretion |
24-inch box minimum replacement trees from the approved species list emphasizing the 16 protected native species (California Juniper, Blue Oak, California Bay, Bigleaf Maple, and 12 additional natives); in-lieu fees to the Tree Preservation Fund accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible. | — | — | Ordinance |
| San Luis Obispo | California |
1:1
1:1 minimum for protected tree removal under SLOMC 12.24; 2:1 or higher for Heritage Oaks (48+ inch DBH) at Minor Use Permit discretion |
15-gallon to 24-inch box replacement trees from the approved native and adapted species list; Heritage Oak replacements emphasize Coast Live Oak and Valley Oak to maintain native canopy. In-lieu fees to the Tree Preservation Fund accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible. | — | — | Ordinance |
| Walnut Creek | California |
1:1
1:1 minimum for protected tree removal under WCMC Chapter 3-8; 2:1 inch-for-inch for heritage trees at Design Review Commission discretion |
15-gallon to 24-inch box replacement trees from the approved Walnut Creek native species list; in-lieu fees to the Tree Preservation Fund accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible. | — | — | Ordinance |
| Folsom | California |
1:1
1:1 minimum for protected tree removal under the Folsom Tree Preservation Ordinance; 24-inch box replacement from approved species list |
24-inch box minimum replacement trees from the approved Folsom native and adapted species list; in-lieu deposits to the Tree Preservation Fund accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible. | — | — | Ordinance |
| Redwood City | California |
1:1
1:1 minimum for protected tree removal under the Tree Preservation Ordinance; in-lieu fees accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible |
15-gallon to 24-inch box replacement trees from the approved native and adapted species list; in-lieu deposits to the Tree Preservation Fund set per the city's adopted fee schedule by removed-tree diameter. | — | — | Ordinance |
| San Francisco | California |
1:1
1:1 minimum for street trees |
Street tree replacements drawn from the SF Public Works approved street tree list at 15-gallon minimum container size; in-lieu fees to the Bureau of Urban Forestry tree planting fund accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible. | — | 4-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Carlsbad | California |
1:1
1:1 minimum for street trees; 2:1 or higher for Heritage Trees and protected natives |
Replacement from approved species list in the Landscape Manual; 15-gallon or 24-inch box minimum. In-lieu fees to the Urban Forestry Fund when on-site replanting is infeasible. | — | 4-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Claremont | California |
1:1
1:1 minimum for street trees; 2:1 or higher for Heritage Trees and protected natives |
Replacement from approved Master Street Tree List; 15-gallon or 24-inch box minimum. In-lieu fees to the Urban Forestry Fund when on-site replanting is infeasible. | — | 4-8 weeks | Ordinance |
| Davis | California |
1:1
1:1 minimum for street trees; 2:1 or higher for Landmark Trees and heritage native oaks |
Replacement species from approved Davis Street Tree List; 15-gallon minimum container size. In-lieu fees to the Urban Forestry Fund when on-site replanting is infeasible. | — | 3-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Burbank | California |
1:1
1:1 minimum for street trees; 2:1 or higher for Landmark/Heritage trees |
Replacement species from approved Parks and Recreation list; 15-gallon minimum container size. In-lieu fees to the Urban Forestry Fund when on-site replanting is infeasible. | — | 4-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Santa Barbara | California |
1:1
1:1 minimum for street trees; 2:1 or higher for Specimen/Historic and protected oaks |
15-gallon to 24-inch box replacement from approved street tree or native species list. In-lieu fees to the Urban Forestry Fund when on-site replanting is infeasible. | — | 4-8 weeks | Ordinance |
| Torrance | California |
1:1
1:1 minimum for street/parkway trees; 2:1 for Heritage Trees |
15-gallon minimum replacement trees from approved Parkway Tree List. In-lieu fees to the Urban Forestry Fund when on-site replanting is infeasible. | — | 4-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Anaheim | California |
1:1
1:1 minimum for street/parkway trees; development mitigation per approved landscape plan |
Replacement from approved Street Tree List; 15-gallon or 24-inch box minimum depending on location. In-lieu fees to the Urban Forestry Fund when on-site replanting is infeasible. | — | 4-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Concord | California |
1:1
1:1 minimum; 2:1 for heritage trees or native oaks |
15-gallon minimum replacement from approved native species list. In-lieu fees to the Tree Preservation Fund when on-site replanting is infeasible. | — | 4-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Santa Clara | California |
1:1
1:1 minimum; 2:1 inch-for-inch for heritage-size specimens |
15-gallon or 24-inch box replacement from approved species list. In-lieu fees to the Tree Preservation Fund when on-site replanting is infeasible. | — | 4-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Sunnyvale | California |
1:1
1:1 minimum; 2:1 or higher for Heritage Trees and specimen natives |
15-gallon or 24-inch box replacement from approved species list. In-lieu fees to the Tree Preservation Fund when on-site replanting is infeasible. | — | 4-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Campbell | California |
1:1
1:1 minimum; 2:1 or higher for Heritage/Significant Trees |
15-gallon or 24-inch box replacement from approved species list. In-lieu fees to the Tree Preservation Fund when on-site replanting is infeasible. | — | 4-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Irvine | California |
1:1
1:1 minimum; windrow trees replaced in-kind per approved landscape plan |
Replacement trees must match the approved landscape palette. 15-gallon or 24-inch box minimum depending on location. | — | 2-3 weeks | Ordinance |
| Tacoma | Washington |
1:1
1:1 on-site or mitigation payment |
On-site 1:1 replacement preferred for significant-tree (6 inch DBH) removal under Tacoma Municipal Code 13.06.090 (Tree Preservation); mitigation payment to tree-preservation fund accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | — | Ordinance |
| Denver | Colorado |
1:1
1:1 to 2:1 for street tree removal; on-site landscape replacement for development |
Replacement required on-site or in nearby right-of-way; in-lieu fees to Tree Planting Fund when infeasible. | — | 2-4 weeks | Ordinance |
| Ashland | Oregon |
1:1
1:1 to 2:1 mitigation based on tree category |
On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu to tree fund when infeasible. | — | — | Ordinance |
| Aurora | Colorado |
1:1
1:1 to 2:1 mitigation based on tree size and condition |
On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu to tree mitigation fund when infeasible. | — | 3-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Portland | Oregon |
1:1
1:1 to 3:1 depending on tree size and reason for removal; in-lieu fees to Tree Planting and Preservation Fund available |
On-site replacement preferred; payment to Tree Planting and Preservation Fund if infeasible. | — | 2-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Cupertino | California |
1:1
1:1 to 3:1 depending on tree size and significance; inch-for-inch mitigation for Heritage Trees |
Replacement from approved species list, 15-gallon or 24-inch box minimum. In-lieu fees to the Tree Preservation Fund when on-site replanting is infeasible. | — | 4-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Thousand Oaks | California |
2:1
2:1 for oaks; 10:1 or inch-for-inch mitigation for Heritage Oaks |
Replacement oaks grown from locally-collected acorns where feasible; 15-gallon minimum. In-lieu fees of approximately $500 per inch DBH to the Oak Tree Preservation Fund when on-site replanting is infeasible. | — | 6-10 weeks | Ordinance |
| Los Angeles | California |
2:1
2:1 for protected trees (varies by size) |
Minimum 15-gallon container size. In-lieu fees to Tree Planting Fund when on-site not feasible. | — | 6-8 weeks | Ordinance |
| West Hollywood | California |
2:1
2:1 for protected trees; higher ratios for heritage/significant trees at Commission discretion |
24-inch box minimum replacement trees. In-lieu fees to the Urban Forestry Fund when on-site replanting is infeasible. | — | 4-8 weeks | Ordinance |
| Los Gatos | California |
2:1
2:1 inch-for-inch for native trees; 1:1 for non-native protected trees; higher ratios for Heritage Trees |
Replacement trees 24-inch box minimum. In-lieu fees to the Tree Replacement Fund ($495 per inch DBH for on-site replacement infeasibility). | — | 4-8 weeks | Ordinance |
| Menlo Park | California |
2:1
2:1 minimum for heritage tree removal (by inch or by count per Arborist determination) |
15-gallon minimum replacement trees from approved species list. In-lieu fees to the Tree Preservation Fund when on-site replanting is infeasible. | — | 3-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Simi Valley | California |
2:1
2:1 minimum for mature tree removal under the Mature Tree Preservation Ordinance; in-lieu fees accepted at Tree Advisory Board discretion |
15-gallon to 24-inch box replacement trees from the approved native and adapted species list; in-lieu deposits to the Mature Tree Preservation Fund set as a permit condition by the Tree Advisory Board. | — | — | Ordinance |
| Pasadena | California |
2:1
2:1 minimum for protected trees; higher ratios (3:1+) for landmark and native specimen trees at Council discretion |
24-inch box minimum replacement trees from the approved Pasadena native and adapted species list; in-lieu fees to the Pasadena Tree Preservation Fund accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible. | — | 4-8 weeks | Ordinance |
| Kirkland | Washington |
2:1
2:1 replacement for significant tree removal |
On-site 2:1 replacement preferred for significant-tree removal (6 inch DBH conifer / 10 inch DBH deciduous) under Kirkland Zoning Code Chapter 95 (Tree Management); fee-in-lieu to tree fund accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | — | Ordinance |
| Stockton | California |
3:1
3:1 for heritage trees, 1:1 for street trees |
Heritage trees replaced 3:1 at Director discretion. Street trees replaced 1:1, minimum 15-gallon container. | — | 2-4 weeks (10-day public notice period for heritage trees) | Ordinance |
| Riverside | California |
3:1
3:1 for native oaks under county ordinance; 2:1 for city Heritage Trees; 1:1 for street trees |
Replacement oaks must be grown from locally-sourced acorns where feasible; 15-gallon minimum. In-lieu fees accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible. | — | 6-12 weeks | Ordinance |
| San Diego | California | 100% of assessed tree value | Applicant pays 100% assessed value. 300% assessed value fine for unauthorized removal. | — | 6-12 weeks | Ordinance |
| Houston | Texas | Based on caliper inches removed (site-specific) | Trees replaced on-site or mitigation fees paid to Houston Parks Board Tree Mitigation Bank. | — | 3-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Renton | Washington | Based on retention percentage (typically 30% for single-family) | On-site replacement preferred to meet single-family retention percentage (~30%) under Renton Municipal Code 4-4-130 (Tree Retention and Land Clearing); fee-in-lieu to tree fund accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | — | Ordinance |
| Issaquah | Washington | Based on retention percentage (typically 30-35% for residential) | On-site replacement required; fee-in-lieu when infeasible. | — | 4-8 weeks | Ordinance |
| Sammamish | Washington | Based on retention percentage (typically 30-35% for residential, varies by zone) | On-site replacement required; fee-in-lieu paid to tree fund when infeasible. | — | 4-8 weeks | Ordinance |
| Bothell | Washington | Based on retention percentage (typically 35% for residential) | On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu when infeasible. | — | 4-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Beaverton | Oregon | Based on retention percentage and mitigation standards | On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu to tree fund when infeasible. | — | — | Ordinance |
| Auburn | Washington | Based on retention percentage and site tree unit standard | On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu to tree fund when infeasible. | — | 4-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Mukilteo | Washington | Based on retention percentage and site tree unit standard | On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu when infeasible. | — | 4-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Puyallup | Washington | Based on retention percentage and site tree unit standard | On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu to tree fund when infeasible. | — | 4-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Redmond | Washington | Based on retention percentage and tree category | — | — | — | Ordinance |
| Everett | Washington | Based on retention percentage and tree unit standard | On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu when infeasible. | — | 4-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Lacey | Washington | Based on retention percentage and tree unit standard | On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu when infeasible. | — | 4-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Kent | Washington | Based on retention percentage; on-site replacement preferred | On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu paid to tree fund when infeasible. | — | 4-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Salem | Oregon | Based on tree category and site retention requirements | On-site replacement preferred; in-lieu fee to tree fund when infeasible. | — | 3-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Boulder | Colorado | Based on tree category and site-specific review | Replacement required to maintain canopy coverage; in-lieu fees available. | — | — | Ordinance |
| Bellevue | Washington | Based on tree significance tier and site retention requirements | On-site replacement preferred to meet significant-tree retention threshold (6 inch DSH evergreen / 8 inch DSH deciduous) under Bellevue Land Use Code 20.25H; fee-in-lieu to tree fund accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | — | Ordinance |
| Arvada | Colorado | Based on tree size and condition (typically 1:1 to 2:1) | On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu when infeasible. | — | 3-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Centennial | Colorado | Based on tree size and condition (typically 1:1 to 2:1) | On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu when infeasible. | — | 3-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Golden | Colorado | Based on tree size and condition (typically 1:1 to 2:1) | On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu when infeasible. | — | 3-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Greeley | Colorado | Based on tree size and condition (typically 1:1 to 2:1) | On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu when infeasible. | — | 3-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Lakewood | Colorado | Based on tree size and condition (typically 1:1 to 2:1) | On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu to tree fund when infeasible. | — | 3-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Longmont | Colorado | Based on tree size and condition (typically 1:1 to 2:1) | On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu to tree fund when infeasible. | — | 3-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Loveland | Colorado | Based on tree size and condition (typically 1:1 to 2:1) | On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu when infeasible. | — | 3-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Thornton | Colorado | Based on tree size and condition (typically 1:1 to 2:1) | On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu when infeasible. | — | 3-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Westminster | Colorado | Based on tree size and condition (typically 1:1 to 2:1) | On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu when infeasible. | — | 3-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Lake Oswego | Oregon | Based on tree size category and reason for removal | On-site replacement with minimum caliper standards; in-lieu fee available. | — | 3-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| West Linn | Oregon | Based on tree size category and reason for removal (typically 1:1 to 2:1) | On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu to tree fund when infeasible. | — | 4-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Federal Way | Washington | Based on tree unit standard per acre and replacement schedule | On-site replacement to meet tree unit standard; fee-in-lieu when infeasible. | — | 4-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Carrollton | Texas | Caliper-inch mitigation based on removed DBH | On-site replacement preferred; payment to Tree Mitigation Fund accepted when infeasible. | — | 4-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Denton | Texas | Caliper-inch mitigation based on removed DBH | On-site replacement preferred; payment to Tree Mitigation Fund when infeasible. | — | 4-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Garland | Texas | Caliper-inch mitigation based on removed DBH | On-site replacement preferred; payment to Tree Mitigation Fund when infeasible. | — | 4-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Irving | Texas | Caliper-inch mitigation based on removed DBH | On-site replacement preferred; Tree Mitigation Fund accepts in-lieu payments. | — | 4-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Richardson | Texas | Caliper-inch mitigation based on removed DBH | On-site replacement preferred; payment to Tree Mitigation Fund when infeasible. | — | 4-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Frisco | Texas | Caliper-inch mitigation based on removed DBH with on-site preference | On-site replacement required; payment to Tree Mitigation Fund accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible. | — | 4-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Flagstaff | Arizona | Caliper-inch mitigation per Division 10-50.60 for removed qualifying trees; preservation percentages by zone | On-site replacement preferred with ponderosa pine or approved native; off-site replacement or in-lieu contribution permitted under some conditions. | — | 6-10 weeks for Forest Resource review as part of development submittal | Ordinance |
| Arlington | Texas | Caliper-inch mitigation with enhanced ratio for heritage trees | On-site replacement preferred; payment to Arlington Urban Forestry Fund when infeasible. | — | 4-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| College Station | Texas | Caliper-inch mitigation with enhanced ratio for heritage trees | On-site replacement preferred; payment to Tree Mitigation Fund when infeasible. | — | 4-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Round Rock | Texas | Caliper-inch mitigation with enhanced ratio for heritage trees | On-site replacement preferred; payment to Tree Mitigation Fund when infeasible. | — | 4-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Fort Worth | Texas | Caliper-inch mitigation: 1:1 for protected trees, 2:1 for significant, 3:1 for legacy | On-site replacement preferred; payment to Urban Forestry Fund when infeasible. | — | 4-8 weeks | Ordinance |
| Prescott | Arizona | Caliper-inch or DBH-inch mitigation for removed qualifying trees per Land Development Code | On-site replacement preferred with ponderosa pine or approved native species; payment to city tree fund where applicable. | — | 4-8 weeks for tree preservation review as part of development submittal | Ordinance |
| McKinney | Texas | Caliper-inch replacement on-site or Tree Mitigation Fund payment | Replacement required on-site to the extent feasible; in-lieu fees paid to Tree Mitigation Fund. | — | 4-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Tempe | Arizona | Caliper-inch replacement or mitigation for significant tree removal during development (site-specific) | On-site replacement with comparable caliper; payment to city landscape or streetscape fund where applicable. | — | 3-6 weeks for landscape plan review | Ordinance |
| Plano | Texas | Caliper-inch replacement with on-site preference | — | — | — | Ordinance |
| Oro Valley | Arizona | Chapter 27 establishes preservation-in-place percentages and transplant/replacement standards; replacement required when preservation infeasible | Preserve-in-place preferred; transplant on-site next; replacement with equivalent native species when transplant fails. Arizona Native Plant Law applies independently on undeveloped land. | — | 6-10 weeks for ESL-subject development reviews | Ordinance |
| Scottsdale | Arizona | ESLO sets preservation percentages and transplant requirements by plant category; on-site replacement required when preservation infeasible | Preserve-in-place preferred; transplant on-site next; replacement with equivalent native species when transplant fails. In-lieu provisions limited. | — | 6-10 weeks for ESLO-subject development reviews | Ordinance |
| Santa Monica | California | In-kind replacement for palms; replanting required | Palm species replaced in-kind at maturing height match where feasible; non-palm protected public trees replaced from the approved street tree list at 15-gallon minimum container size; in-lieu fees to the Urban Forest Renewal Fund accepted when on-site replanting is infeasible. | — | — | Ordinance |
| Gresham | Oregon | Inch-for-inch caliper mitigation | On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu to tree fund when infeasible. | — | 4-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Medford | Oregon | Inch-for-inch caliper mitigation | On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu to tree fund when infeasible. | — | 4-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| San Antonio | Texas | Inch-for-inch caliper mitigation | On-site replacement preferred; Tree Mitigation Fund accepts in-lieu payments. | — | 4-8 weeks | Ordinance |
| Hillsboro | Oregon | Inch-for-inch caliper mitigation or tree unit replacement | On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu to tree fund when infeasible. | — | 4-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Oregon City | Oregon | Inch-for-inch caliper mitigation or tree unit replacement | On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu when infeasible. | — | 4-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Tigard | Oregon | Inch-for-inch caliper mitigation or tree unit replacement | On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu to Urban Forestry Fund when infeasible. | — | 4-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Tualatin | Oregon | Inch-for-inch caliper mitigation or tree unit replacement | On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu when infeasible. | — | 4-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Wilsonville | Oregon | Inch-for-inch caliper mitigation or tree unit replacement | On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu to tree fund when infeasible. | — | 4-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Eugene | Oregon | Inch-for-inch caliper replacement on site or payment to tree fund | On-site replacement preferred; in-lieu payment to Tree Planting Fund if infeasible. | — | 3-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Dallas | Texas | Inch-for-inch caliper replacement or mitigation payment | Replacement on-site with same-species preference or payment to Reforestation Fund. | — | 4-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Springfield | Oregon | Inch-for-inch caliper replacement or tree fund payment | On-site replacement preferred; fee-in-lieu when infeasible. | — | 3-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Jacksonville | Florida | Inch-for-inch mitigation (1:1 replacement DBH) for standard protected trees; 2:1 or greater for heritage trees | On-site replacement preferred; payment to the Tree Protection Trust Fund allowed when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 2-4 weeks | Ordinance |
| Austin | Texas | Inch-for-inch mitigation based on diameter removed | Mitigation required at inch-for-inch replacement or payment to Urban Forest Replenishment Fund. | — | 4-8 weeks | Ordinance |
| Gainesville | Florida | Inch-for-inch mitigation; enhanced ratios for heritage trees | On-site replacement with approved native species; payment to Tree Bank accepted in lieu. | — | 3-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Wilmington | North Carolina | Inch-for-inch replacement for regulated trees; enhanced ratios (typically 2:1 or greater) for heritage trees per Chapter 18 Article III | On-site replacement preferred with approved native canopy species; in-lieu payment to the Wilmington Tree Replacement Fund accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 3-6 weeks for tree preservation review as part of site plan submittal | Ordinance |
| Durham | North Carolina | Inch-for-inch replacement for significant trees; enhanced ratios (typically 2:1 or greater) for heritage trees per UDO §9.8 | On-site replacement preferred with approved native canopy species; in-lieu payment to the Durham Tree Mitigation Fund accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 3-6 weeks for tree protection review as part of development submittal | Ordinance |
| Chapel Hill | North Carolina | Inch-for-inch replacement for significant trees; enhanced ratios for specimen/heritage trees per LUMO §5.7 | On-site replacement preferred with approved native canopy species; in-lieu payment to the town tree replacement fund accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 3-6 weeks for tree protection review as part of development submittal | Ordinance |
| Charlotte | North Carolina | Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios (2:1 or greater) for specimen/heritage trees per Tree Ordinance | On-site replacement preferred with approved native canopy species; in-lieu payment to the Tree Mitigation Fund accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 3-6 weeks for tree plan review as part of development submittal | Ordinance |
| Asheville | North Carolina | Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios (typically 2:1 or greater) for heritage trees per Chapter 7 Article XI | On-site replacement preferred with approved native canopy species; in-lieu payment to the Asheville Tree Fund accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 3-6 weeks for tree preservation review as part of site plan submittal | Ordinance |
| Raleigh | North Carolina | Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios for champion/heritage trees per UDO §9.1 | On-site replacement preferred with approved native canopy species; in-lieu payment to the Raleigh Tree Replacement Fund accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 3-6 weeks for TCA or Tree Impact Permit review as part of development submittal | Ordinance |
| Greensboro | North Carolina | Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios for champion/specimen trees per LDO tree preservation standards | On-site replacement preferred with approved native canopy species; in-lieu payment to the tree replacement fund accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 3-6 weeks for tree preservation review as part of site plan submittal | Ordinance |
| Winston-Salem | North Carolina | Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios for heritage trees per UDO Chapter E | On-site replacement preferred with approved native canopy species; in-lieu payment to the tree replacement fund accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 3-6 weeks for tree preservation review as part of site plan submittal | Ordinance |
| Wake Forest | North Carolina | Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios for significant/heritage trees per Wake Forest UDO | On-site replacement preferred with approved native canopy species; in-lieu payment to the town tree replacement fund accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 3-6 weeks for tree protection review as part of development submittal | Ordinance |
| Apex | North Carolina | Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios for specimen trees per Apex UDO | On-site replacement preferred with approved native canopy species; in-lieu payment to the town tree replacement fund accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 3-6 weeks for tree protection review as part of development submittal | Ordinance |
| Concord | North Carolina | Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios for specimen trees per Development Ordinance landscape and tree preservation standards | On-site replacement preferred with approved native canopy species; in-lieu payment to the tree replacement fund accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 3-6 weeks for tree preservation review as part of site plan submittal | Ordinance |
| High Point | North Carolina | Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios for specimen trees per Development Ordinance landscape and tree preservation standards | On-site replacement preferred with approved native canopy species; in-lieu payment to the tree replacement fund accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 3-6 weeks for tree preservation review as part of site plan submittal | Ordinance |
| Hickory | North Carolina | Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios for specimen trees per Hickory Land Development Code | On-site replacement preferred with approved native canopy species; in-lieu payment to the city tree replacement fund accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 3-6 weeks for tree preservation review as part of site plan submittal | Ordinance |
| Huntersville | North Carolina | Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios for specimen trees per Huntersville Zoning Ordinance and Mecklenburg County Tree Ordinance | On-site replacement preferred with approved native canopy species; in-lieu payment to the tree replacement fund accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 3-6 weeks for tree preservation review as part of site plan submittal | Ordinance |
| Kannapolis | North Carolina | Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios for specimen trees per Kannapolis Development Ordinance | On-site replacement preferred with approved native canopy species; in-lieu payment to the tree replacement fund accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 3-6 weeks for tree preservation review as part of site plan submittal | Ordinance |
| Cary | North Carolina | Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios for specimen trees per LDO §7.2 | On-site replacement preferred with approved native canopy species; in-lieu payment to the town tree replacement fund accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 3-6 weeks for tree protection review as part of development submittal | Ordinance |
| Matthews | North Carolina | Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios for specimen trees per Matthews Zoning Ordinance and Mecklenburg County Tree Ordinance | On-site replacement preferred with approved native canopy species; in-lieu payment to the tree replacement fund accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 3-6 weeks for tree preservation review as part of site plan submittal | Ordinance |
| Mooresville | North Carolina | Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios for specimen trees per Mooresville Zoning Ordinance | On-site replacement preferred with approved native canopy species; in-lieu payment to the town tree replacement fund accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 3-6 weeks for tree preservation review as part of site plan submittal | Ordinance |
| Fayetteville | North Carolina | Inch-for-inch replacement for standard protected trees; enhanced ratios for specimen trees per UDO landscape and tree preservation standards | On-site replacement preferred with approved native canopy species; in-lieu payment to the tree replacement fund accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 3-6 weeks for tree preservation review as part of site plan submittal | Ordinance |
| Elk Grove | California | Inch-for-inch replacement up to a cap; 3:1 count-based for heritage native oaks | On-site replacement with 15-gallon or 24-inch box trees from approved native species list. In-lieu fees to the Tree Preservation Fund ($300-$750 per inch DSH removed) when on-site replanting is infeasible. | — | 4-8 weeks | Ordinance |
| Cape Coral | Florida | Inch-for-inch replacement with approved native or Florida-friendly species | On-site replacement preferred; tree fund fees accepted in lieu when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 2-4 weeks | Ordinance |
| Port St. Lucie | Florida | Inch-for-inch replacement with approved native or Florida-friendly species; enhanced mitigation for specimen trees | On-site replacement preferred. In-lieu fees accepted to the city tree mitigation fund where on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 2-4 weeks | Ordinance |
| West Palm Beach | Florida | Inch-for-inch replacement with approved native species; enhanced mitigation for specimen trees | On-site replacement preferred; tree trust fund fees in lieu when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 2-4 weeks | Ordinance |
| Pensacola | Florida | Inch-for-inch replacement with approved species; enhanced mitigation for heritage trees | On-site replacement preferred with approved native species; tree fund fees accepted in lieu when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 2-4 weeks | Ordinance |
| Boca Raton | Florida | Inch-for-inch replacement with approved species; enhanced mitigation for specimen trees | On-site replacement preferred; tree fund fees accepted in lieu when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 2-4 weeks | Ordinance |
| Coral Springs | Florida | Inch-for-inch replacement with approved species; enhanced mitigation for specimen trees | On-site replacement preferred; tree fund accepts in-lieu fees when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 2-4 weeks | Ordinance |
| Daytona Beach | Florida | Inch-for-inch replacement with approved species; enhanced mitigation for specimen trees | On-site replacement preferred with approved native species; tree fund fees accepted in lieu when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 2-4 weeks | Ordinance |
| Delray Beach | Florida | Inch-for-inch replacement with approved species; enhanced mitigation for specimen trees | On-site replacement preferred; in-lieu fees to the city tree mitigation fund accepted where on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 2-4 weeks | Ordinance |
| Fort Myers | Florida | Inch-for-inch replacement with approved species; enhanced mitigation for specimen trees | On-site replacement preferred with approved native or Florida-friendly species; tree trust fund in-lieu fees accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 2-4 weeks | Ordinance |
| Hollywood | Florida | Inch-for-inch replacement with approved species; enhanced mitigation for specimen trees | On-site replacement preferred. Tree Trust Fund accepts in-lieu fees when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 2-4 weeks | Ordinance |
| Melbourne | Florida | Inch-for-inch replacement with approved species; enhanced mitigation for specimen trees | On-site replacement preferred with approved native species; tree fund fees accepted in lieu when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 2-4 weeks | Ordinance |
| Orlando | Florida | Inch-for-inch replacement with native or approved species; enhanced mitigation for specimen trees | On-site replacement preferred; in-lieu fees to Tree Trust Fund when infeasible. | — | 2-4 weeks | Ordinance |
| Hialeah | Florida | Inch-for-inch replacement with native species; enhanced mitigation for specimen trees (2:1 or greater) | On-site replacement preferred with approved native or Florida-friendly species. In-lieu payments to Miami-Dade Tree Trust Fund accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 2-4 weeks | Ordinance |
| Fort Lauderdale | Florida | Inch-for-inch replacement; enhanced mitigation for specimen trees | On-site replacement with approved native species; Tree Trust Fund accepts in-lieu fees. | — | 2-4 weeks | Ordinance |
| Miramar | Florida | Inch-for-inch replacement; enhanced mitigation for specimen trees | On-site replacement with approved native or Florida-friendly species preferred. In-lieu fees to tree mitigation fund accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 2-4 weeks | Ordinance |
| Naples | Florida | Inch-for-inch replacement; enhanced mitigation for specimen trees | On-site replacement preferred with approved native species; tree fund fees accepted in lieu when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 2-4 weeks | Ordinance |
| Plantation | Florida | Inch-for-inch replacement; enhanced mitigation for specimen trees | On-site replacement preferred; tree mitigation fund in-lieu fees accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 2-4 weeks | Ordinance |
| Pompano Beach | Florida | Inch-for-inch replacement; enhanced mitigation for specimen trees | On-site replacement preferred with approved native or Florida-friendly species; tree mitigation fund in-lieu fees accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 2-4 weeks | Ordinance |
| Sunrise | Florida | Inch-for-inch replacement; enhanced mitigation for specimen trees | On-site replacement with approved native or Florida-friendly species preferred. In-lieu fees to tree mitigation fund accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 2-4 weeks | Ordinance |
| Sarasota | Florida | Inch-for-inch replacement; enhanced ratios for grand trees | On-site replacement preferred with approved native species; tree fund fees accepted in lieu when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 2-4 weeks | Ordinance |
| Tampa | Florida | Inch-for-inch replacement; enhanced ratios for grand trees | On-site replacement with approved native or Florida-friendly species; tree fund fees accepted in lieu. | — | 2-3 weeks | Ordinance |
| Clearwater | Florida | Inch-for-inch replacement; enhanced ratios for heritage trees | On-site replacement preferred; Tree Trust Fund in-lieu fees accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 2-4 weeks | Ordinance |
| Lakeland | Florida | Inch-for-inch replacement; enhanced ratios for heritage trees | On-site replacement preferred with approved native species; tree fund fees accepted in lieu when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 2-4 weeks | Ordinance |
| Ocala | Florida | Inch-for-inch replacement; enhanced ratios for heritage trees | On-site replacement preferred with approved native species; tree fund fees accepted in lieu when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 2-4 weeks | Ordinance |
| St. Petersburg | Florida | Inch-for-inch replacement; enhanced ratios for heritage trees | On-site replacement preferred; Tree Trust Fund accepts in-lieu fees. | — | 2-4 weeks | Ordinance |
| Tallahassee | Florida | Inch-for-inch replacement; enhanced ratios for patriarch/heritage trees | On-site replacement with approved native species; payment to Tree Bank accepted in lieu. | — | 3-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Pembroke Pines | Florida | Inch-for-inch replacement; enhanced ratios for specimen trees | On-site replacement with approved native or Florida-friendly species preferred. In-lieu fees to tree mitigation fund accepted when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 2-4 weeks | Ordinance |
| Phoenix | Arizona | Landscape code-based replacement (site-specific by zone and project type); salvaged native plants reused on-site where feasible | On-site preservation and transplant preferred; replacement plantings per landscape standards. No dedicated city tree-mitigation fund. | — | 4-8 weeks for landscape plan review as part of development submittal | Ordinance |
| Buckeye | Arizona | Landscape-code replacement per Buckeye landscape standards (site-specific) | On-site replacement to meet landscape coverage and shade standards. | — | 3-6 weeks for landscape plan review | Ordinance |
| Chandler | Arizona | Landscape-code replacement per Chandler landscape standards (site-specific) | On-site replacement to meet landscape coverage, shade, and species standards. | — | 3-6 weeks for landscape plan review | Ordinance |
| Gilbert | Arizona | Landscape-code replacement per Gilbert landscape standards (site-specific) | On-site replacement to meet landscape coverage and shade standards. | — | 3-6 weeks for landscape plan review | Ordinance |
| Glendale | Arizona | Landscape-code replacement per Glendale landscape standards (site-specific) | On-site replacement to meet landscape coverage and shade standards. | — | 3-6 weeks for landscape plan review | Ordinance |
| Goodyear | Arizona | Landscape-code replacement per Goodyear landscape standards (site-specific) | On-site replacement to meet landscape coverage and shade standards. | — | 3-6 weeks for landscape plan review | Ordinance |
| Mesa | Arizona | Landscape-code replacement per Mesa landscape standards (site-specific by zone) | On-site replacement required to meet landscape coverage and shade standards. | — | 3-6 weeks for landscape plan review | Ordinance |
| Peoria | Arizona | Landscape-code replacement per Peoria landscape standards (site-specific) | On-site replacement to meet landscape coverage and shade standards. | — | 3-6 weeks for landscape plan review | Ordinance |
| Queen Creek | Arizona | Landscape-code replacement per Queen Creek landscape standards (site-specific) | On-site replacement to meet landscape coverage and shade standards. | — | 3-6 weeks for landscape plan review | Ordinance |
| Sierra Vista | Arizona | Landscape-code replacement per Sierra Vista landscape standards (site-specific) | On-site replacement with drought-tolerant native or adapted species. | — | 3-6 weeks for landscape plan review | Ordinance |
| Surprise | Arizona | Landscape-code replacement per Surprise landscape standards (site-specific) | On-site replacement to meet landscape coverage and shade standards. | — | 3-6 weeks for landscape plan review | Ordinance |
| Yuma | Arizona | Landscape-code replacement per Yuma landscape standards (site-specific) | On-site replacement with drought-tolerant native or adapted species. | — | 3-6 weeks for landscape plan review | Ordinance |
| Miami | Florida | Mitigation based on DBH: typically inch-for-inch replacement with native species; specimen trees require enhanced mitigation (2:1 or greater) | On-site replacement preferred. In-lieu fees paid to Tree Trust Fund when on-site replacement is infeasible. | — | 2-4 weeks | Ordinance |
| Fort Collins | Colorado | Mitigation based on condition rating and size (typically 1:1 to 2:1) | On-site replacement preferred; payment to tree mitigation fund when infeasible. | — | 3-6 weeks | Ordinance |
| Palo Alto | California | Per Table 3-1 in Technical Manual Section 3.02 | All trees 4+ inches DBH subject to replacement. In-lieu fees per 24-inch box tree. | — | 4-8 weeks | Ordinance |
| Seattle | Washington | Tier-based replacement (2:1 to 3:1 depending on tree tier) | On-site replacement required; payment to Tree Fund if infeasible. | — | 4-8 weeks | Ordinance |
| Tucson | Arizona | UDC 7.6 establishes preservation-in-place percentages and transplant/replacement standards; replacement required when preservation is not feasible | Preserve-in-place preferred; transplant on-site next; replacement with equivalent native species when transplant fails or is infeasible. Arizona Native Plant Law applies independently on undeveloped land. | — | 4-8 weeks as part of development review | Ordinance |
How tree replacement obligations work across cities
- Which city requires the highest replacement ratio?
- Stockton, California carries the highest verified replacement ratio in the verified city corpus at 3:1 (per its ordinance: "3:1 for heritage trees, 1:1 for street trees"). Across 47 verified cities with numeric ratios, the median is 1:1 and the lowest is 1:1.
- What's the typical replacement obligation when a tree is removed?
- Most cities in the verified U.S. corpus require 1:1 replacement at minimum, with heritage or specimen trees typically carrying enhanced ratios (often 2:1 or 3:1). Median replacement ratio across 47 verified cities is 1:1. Many ordinances also accept an in-lieu fee per tree when on-site replanting isn't feasible.
- Can I pay an in-lieu fee instead of replanting trees?
- Most cities in the verified U.S. corpus accept in-lieu mitigation deposits to a tree planting fund when on-site replanting isn't feasible, but the per-tree dollar amount isn't published as a flat fee — it's calculated case-by-case (often based on caliper inches or assessed value). Verify with the municipal forester.
Documenting a removal that triggers replacement?
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