30 Years 1995–2025

Is There a Penalty for Tree Removal Without a Permit in Phoenix?

Today is the day. You have had it with a particular tree in your yard. It’s going down.

Your next thoughts include you holding a chainsaw, cutting the tree, and feeling very rewarded for completing such a big task.

But first, you want to know if you are allowed to do this. Are there permits you need to request or paperwork to complete?

Permit Requirements in Phoenix

There are a few essential things to remember when discussing Phoenix area tree removal. The first, if your tree is above ten feet high, is near power lines, street crossings, or in any way could pose as a danger to public property, cars, or people passing by, the city can remove your tree without your permission, even if it is on your property.

They will typically give you a chance to remove it first. On the other hand, if you want to remove a tree, even if it is not posing a problem, you can.

Currently, if you own the property, you can cut down any tree or trees on that property without a permit. Never forget that the tree must be your tree. So, if your neighbor’s tree is large and its branches are hanging over into your yard, you are allowed to remove the branches on your property only. And, your neighbor legally does not have to help you financially or physically.

Like anything, just because you can do something doesn’t always mean you should do it, especially all by yourself.

Working with a Phoenix-area tree removal specialist is always preferred, even if you are handy with tools and are an avid DIYer. A local arborist will know things like which trees you are allowed to cut down and which you aren’t. For instance, there may be native palm trees your county would like to preserve. In some cases moving rather than removing a tree is a better solution.

Tree removers know how to remove a dead tree versus a live tree.

Professionals can cut down your tree in the safest way possible. Safety can help you avoid damage to you, another person, your home, your neighbor’s home, power lines, and more.

Tree Removal Accidents

Even the most prepared homeowners can get hurt while removing a tree on their property. The Center for Disease Control reports being struck during the removal of a tree is a common event. DIY tree removers do an excellent job of avoiding falling trees, but they don’t always get out of the direction of the branches and limbs that are attached to the tree or that break on the way down, striking and harming the tree feller.

Another accident seen among homeowners turned tree removers happens when trying to access the tree. Some will climb onto the roof of their home without a harness. Some will lift themselves in the bucket of a tractor. Some will climb unstable ladders. Falls from these locations create dangerous settings for accidents.

Electrocution can happen if you are near power lines, cuts and amputations can occur if your equipment malfunctions or if you misuse the equipment. Then there are the minor incidents that can become major, like awakening a swarm of bees living inside the tree, receiving poison ivy or poison oak attached to the tree, or being bitten by an animal living in the tree.

You can avoid all these scenarios by merely calling a local arborist for help.

What a Tree Removal Professional Can Do

Hiring a tree company in Phoenix to remove the tree on your property can save you money. They already have the safety and removal equipment needed that you would need to buy to complete the job. They have the chainsaws, hacksaws, harnesses, lifts, clothing, eyewear, body protectors, helmets, and all other materials.

They can use their extensive years of training to determine the right removal method for the size of the tree. They can also decide the best direction to fell the tree so it avoids causing damage to anything in the area, including people.

They are licensed and bonded, which can help if you are making insurance claims and want to receive reimbursement of your costs from your homeowner’s insurance. You have a professional estimate for which to base your claim.

Let your first step in removing a tree on your property be to call for help from a tree removal specialist in your Phoenix area.

Robert L. Kett

Robert L. Kett is the founder and Senior Certified Arborist at Design Tree Maintenance, a family-owned tree care company serving the Valley since 1995. With over 30 years of experience in holistic tree and plant health management, Robert specializes in tree pruning, removal, fertilization, and irrigation solutions tailored to residential and commercial landscapes. He is a long-time affiliate of the International Society of Arboriculture and the Western Chapter ISA, and under his leadership, Design Tree Maintenance has earned multiple BBB Ethics Awards and consistently high ratings on HomeAdvisor and Angi.

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Testimonials

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Jennifer Startin
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We hired Design Tree to install a paver patio in our backyard. Very impressed with the outcome and would highly recommend! Beautiful work and the crew was timely and very polite. The superintendent on our job was great, unfortunately I am forgetting his name. Highly recommend this company!
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K. B.
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My wife and I have been using Design Tree Maintenance for about 6 years now. They've conducted both removals and long term maintenance on three large trees in our backyard. Each visit from them has left us pleased with their work. The process starts with a free onsite quotation (Nick always does our quotes) and on acceptance, the crew is scheduled within about a week or less. This company is full of professionals during all stages of the process. You can get your trees trimmed for less cost, however having trained arborists quoting and conducting the work is worth every penny. Dago and crew always arrive ready to tackle a tough days work. The crew uses modern safety equipment, everyone has helmets and is well trained to use their climbing, rigging, and cutting gear to get the work sorted quickly and safely. The crew lead reviews all planned work prior to starting to ensure the quoting process has communicated everything correctly to the folks doing the laborious work. When everything is wrapped up, the lead once again reviews the work with you to verify you're satisfied. If you want professionals for your project, call these folks.
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Mark Burry
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I want to thank Steth and Design Tree Maintenance for doing a great and quick repair on my sprinklers
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Pat Christie
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I have been a customer for over 10 years. Everyone in this company is professional and cares about their customers. They do our annual tree trimming and we have had them place a French drain and recently landscape the 2 courtyards at the front of the house. I cannot recommend this company highly enough. They exceed my expectations with everything they do. They are worth every penny I’ve paid them and am excited to have them landscape the remaining front yard and then the back.!
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Linda Moore
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Seth and all the guys did a fantastic job with my new irrigation and yard. Left my property immaculate. Thank you Design Tree!

Call (623) 587-8170 for answers to your tree questions.

Or request a FREE tree trimming or tree removal quote today!

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