Tree Permit
Do I Need A Tree Permit?
Tree permits relate to planting, pruning, or removal of trees. To determine whether you need a tree permit, you must first determine if your tree is on private or public property.
Private Property
If your tree is on your private property, you DO NOT need a tree permit.
Public Right-of-Way
If your existing or planned tree is in the public right-of-way, you may need a tree permit depending on the kind of work you will be doing on the tree. Since the width of the right-of-way varies from street to street, and sometimes from block to block, you should always check before working on trees anywhere near roads or alleys.
Unsure
If you are unsure if your tree is in the right-of-way, please contact our office at 740-983-6367, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
My tree is in the public right-of-way
If you have determined that your tree is in the right-of-way, these are the ONLY two conditions in which a tree permit is NOT required.
- Planting with assistance from the Village of Ashville Tree Advisory Board
- You may plant a tree in the right-of-way as long as you contact the Village of Ashville for technical assistance beforehand. (homeowners planting at residential locations only)
- Minor Pruning*
- You may engage in minor pruning if it meets these all three of these requirements.
- Branches being pruned do not exceed two inches in diameter
- Pruning does not exceed 15% canopy loss
- The tree is more than 10 feet from a power line
- You may engage in minor pruning if it meets these all three of these requirements.
*Planting and pruning work must meet Village Arboricultural Specifications and Standards and Standard Planting Diagram.
Any tree work within a right-of-way that does not meet the above conditions DOES require a tree permit, and you must follow the steps below.
How to apply for a Public Tree Permit
Step one: Hire a Certified Arborist from our list.
Disclosure: This is a list of tree services that meet minimum qualifications for a Village of Ashville Commercial Tree Service License. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement from Ashville.
Company Name |
Phone |
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
740-983-0000 |
*Currently qualified to provide Risk Assessements, ~as of October, 2020
Step two: Your Certified Arborist fills out the online Public Tree Permit Application and submits it to the Village of Ashville.
Step three: Village of Ashville staff will review your application and inspect the tree site before approving or denying the Public Tree Permit Application. We will notify the applicant of the decision, typically within 2 working days. Do not begin any tree work until an approved permit has been issued.
Because it only takes a moment to improperly prune or remove a tree but a lifetime to grow the right tree in the right place, it is imperative to protect and preserve mature trees from unnecessary damage or removal.
Therefore all pruning, planting, and removals of public trees within the public rights-of-way (or any public tree located on Village property) must be performed by an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist with a current Commercial Tree License (PDF 96 KB) and an approved Public Tree Permit. A street obstruction permit may also be required to perform the work and can be obtained through Village of Ashville, 740-983-6367.
Different site conditions can dictate which tree species are most appropriate for different planting locations within the Village. For guidance on species selection, please consult our Approved Street Tree List (PDF 6.8 MB).
Contact Information
Administration Officel
200 East Station Street
Ashville, Ohio 43103
Phone: 740-983-6367
Fax: 740-983-4703
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Items of Interest
- Approved Street Tree List (PDF 6.8 MB)
- Standard Planting Diagram (PDF 155 KB)
- Aboricultural Specifications (PDF 3.1 MB)
- Urban Forestry Quadrant Map (PDF 21 KB)
- Online Public Tree Permit Guidesheet (PDF 161 KB)
- Online Public Tree Permit Step by Step (PDF 523 KB)
- October 2020 Newsletter Urban Forestry Announced (PDF 2.934)