Do I need a permit to remove a tree in my own yard in Fresno?

In most cases, no. Fresno exempts trees on developed single-family residential property, so a typical backyard tree is yours to remove. The main exceptions are street/parkway trees, heritage or protected trees, and trees required by a development condition. When in doubt, confirm with the city.

What about the tree between the sidewalk and the street?

That's usually a parkway or street tree in the public right-of-way, which the city controls. Removing or heavily pruning it requires a city permit — it's not considered part of your private property even though it's in front of your house.

Do fruit trees need a permit?

No. Fruit trees are exempt, and so is any tree that's an immediate emergency hazard to people or property.

Can you handle the permit if one is needed?

If your tree falls into a permit category we'll flag it before any work and point you to the right city department. Most residential removals don't need one. Call (559) 377-7318 and we'll let you know exactly where you stand.

Do You Need a Permit to Remove a Tree in Fresno? (2026)

Before you take down a tree, it's smart to know whether Fresno requires a permit — getting it wrong can mean fines. The good news: for the typical homeowner, the answer is usually "no." Here's exactly how it works.

The Short Answer

For most homeowners in Fresno, removing a tree in your own yard does not require a city permit. The City of Fresno's tree-protection rules specifically exempt developed single-family residential property — so the dead pine in your backyard or the oak crowding your driveway is generally yours to remove. There are a few important exceptions below, so read on.

When You DO Need a Permit in Fresno

Street trees / parkway trees — trees in the strip between the sidewalk and the curb, or otherwise in the public right-of-way, belong to the city. Removing or even heavily pruning them requires a Street Tree Removal and Pruning Permit from Public Works.
Trees on public property — anything outside your private property line.
Trees required by a development condition — if a tree was planted or retained as a condition of a building permit or development approval, it's protected.
Protected trees on non-exempt parcels — for properties that aren't single-family residential, trees 12″ or more in diameter can be "protected," and a removal permit (fee around $295 per tree) applies.

Always exempt: fruit trees of any kind, and any tree that's an immediate emergency threat to people or property. If a storm-damaged tree is a hazard right now, deal with the danger first.

Who to Contact

For street-tree or right-of-way questions, contact the City of Fresno Landscape Maintenance Division. They handle parkway tree permits and can confirm whether a specific tree is the city's responsibility or yours.

Don't Forget Your HOA

City rules are only half the story. Many Fresno-area neighborhoods have an HOA with its own tree and landscaping requirements that can be stricter than the city's. If you're in an HOA, check your CC&Rs before removing anything visible from the street.

We Make It Easy

As a licensed, insured local tree service, we deal with these rules every day. If your tree falls into a permit category, we'll tell you up front and help you understand the next step — no surprises. If it's exempt (most backyard trees are), we'll just get it done.

Heads up: this is a plain-English summary to help you get oriented, not legal advice. Ordinances change — always confirm a specific situation with City of Fresno Landscape Maintenance Division before removal.

Questions about a specific tree? Call (559) 377-7318 for a free, honest assessment.

Do You Need a Permit to Remove a Tree in Fresno?

The Short Answer

When You DO Need a Permit in Fresno

Who to Contact

Don't Forget Your HOA

We Make It Easy

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