Emergency tree removal permits by city

Emergency tree removal permits change with the city. These lines come from each city's own site.

Pensacola says yes, a permit is needed to prune or remove a heritage tree, including on a single-family or duplex lot. The city says sand live oaks are protected at 4 inches and heritage at 16 inches.

Mobile says a permit is required to prune, move, or remove any tree in the public right of way. Outside historic districts, if the tree is not in that right of way, the city says no permit is required on a developed home lot. The city permit fee is $75 per tree, with a cap of 3 trees, $225, for residential property. That fee is paid to the city for the permit.

Tallahassee says that if a project does not require an EMP (an environmental management permit) and it proposes tree removal, the owner must apply for a tree permit. No more than 10 trees may be removed on a single tree permit. On a single-family lot, the city FAQ lists "SFR detached > 36 inches dbh" as protected. A protected tree may be approved for removal if it resolves a safety hazard.

Shreveport requires arborists working in the city to register and to show a Louisiana arborist license. For a tree between the sidewalk and the curb, call Streets and Drainage. The city's Streets and Drainage number is 318-673-6330. The city page does not say whether a homeowner needs a permit to remove a tree on private land.

A tree fell on the house. Here is the order to follow. still starts with the wire and the photos. The permit is the step before the cut, after the line is safe.