Do You Need a Permit to Remove a Tree in Boise?
Short answer: If the tree is a public tree, usually one in the right-of-way between the sidewalk and the street, yes. Pruning or removing it needs a City permit, and the work must be done by a tree service licensed by the City of Boise. For trees fully on your own private property, the City pages we reviewed don't describe a general removal permit, but confirm with Boise Community Forestry at (208) 608-7700 before you cut.
Is your tree public or private?
The Boise Tree Ordinance (Boise City Code, Title 7, Chapter 2) covers trees on public property, including street trees in the public right-of-way. A tree may be public if:
- it stands in the planting strip between the sidewalk and the curb, or
- it's in a park or on other City property.
Property lines aren't always where they look. If you're unsure, Community Forestry can tell you whether a tree is a City tree.
Rules for public (street) trees
A permit is required
Adjacent property owners must obtain the required permits before any work on public trees, including pruning and removal (Boise City Code 7-2-8). According to the City, homeowners can get a free permit to hire a Boise City licensed tree service to prune street trees at their own expense.
The tree company must be City-licensed
Under Boise City Code 7-2-10, it's unlawful to engage in the commercial business of pruning or removing trees on public property without a license from the City Forester. To be licensed, a company must show:
- ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) arborist certification,
- compliance with ANSI A300 pruning standards, and
- at least $500,000 in liability insurance.
Before hiring anyone for street-tree work, ask whether they hold a current Boise tree pruning or removal license.
The City may remove it for free
Boise City is responsible for removing dead, diseased or hazardous trees from public rights-of-way at no cost to the adjacent homeowner. If your street tree is dead or dangerous, call Community Forestry before paying anyone.
The City prunes street trees on a cycle
The City's street-tree pruning cycle is currently about seven to eight years. If a street tree needs attention sooner, the permit route above lets you hire a licensed company at your own expense.
Trees on private property
The City pages reviewed for this article don't set a general permit requirement for removing trees that are entirely on private residential property. Other rules can still apply:
- HOA covenants may restrict removing or replacing trees.
- Development approvals for newer subdivisions or commercial sites may include tree-preservation conditions.
- Power lines: never remove or prune a tree near overhead lines yourself. Contact Idaho Power at 208-388-2323.
- Stump grinding: Idaho law defines excavation broadly, so call 811 before grinding.
When in doubt, call Community Forestry at (208) 608-7700 before work starts.
Common mistakes
- Assuming the planting strip is yours. It's usually the City's right-of-way.
- Hiring a company that isn't City-licensed for street-tree work.
- Paying to remove a hazardous street tree the City would have removed for free.
- Topping or over-pruning. The City advises never removing more than a quarter of a tree's crown in one season.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Boise street-tree permit cost? The City describes the permit to hire a licensed service for street-tree pruning as free.
Can I prune a street tree myself? Work on public trees requires a permit. Contact Community Forestry to ask what's allowed before you prune.
Who removes a dead tree in the parkway strip? The City removes dead, diseased or hazardous right-of-way trees at no cost to the adjacent homeowner.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in my backyard? The City pages we reviewed don't describe one for private residential trees, but check your HOA rules and confirm with Community Forestry.
Need a tree company?
We can connect you with a local Boise tree company. For street-tree work, ask them to confirm their City license. Get matched · Call [phone number not set]
TreeCareBoise is a free referral service, not a tree company. This article is general information, not legal advice.
Sources: Boise City Code 7-2-8 · Boise City Code 7-2-10 · City of Boise: Tree Removal · City of Boise: Pruning Programs · City of Boise: Tree Pruning or Removal License · City of Boise: Tree Care · Idaho Code 55-2202 · Idaho Power: Trees & Safety. All accessed September 25, 2026.