Do you need a permit?
No permit required for most private trees
Springfield does not require a permit to remove a tree on your own private property. The city rewrote its urban forestry chapter in July 2022, and the rewrite states its purpose as protecting "the urban forest located on public land." The permit requirement in section 102.40 is written entirely around public property trees. The wrinkle that is unique to Springfield is City Water, Light and Power, the municipal utility, which can prune or remove trees on private property when they conflict with its power lines.
What's protected in Springfield
- Trees, shrubs and plants on city-owned property, meaning property owned by the city in fee simple absolute or "Implied or expressly dedicated to the public for present or future use for purposes of vehicular or pedestrian traffic, or for public easements"
- Trees in a utility easement, which CWLP may prune or remove for line clearance regardless of who owns the land
How to apply in Springfield
- 1
For a tree on your own private property, there is no city application.
- 2
For a public property tree, section 102.40(a) requires you to apply for and receive a tree permit from the city arborist before you "remove, injure or undertake any procedure which will cause death, substantial damage, or create a hazard." Removal permits "must be applied for and issued by the city before work can commence."
- 3
Construction or site improvement that may affect public property trees needs a protection plan approved by the city arborist, with trees to be saved or removed clearly marked both on the plan and at the job site.
- 4
To report a tree in conflict with CWLP electric lines, call the Line Clearance Supervisor at 217-321-1407 or email danny.rhodes@cwlp.com. For emergencies and 24-hour service, call Electric Dispatch at 217-789-2121.
- 5
Before trimming near your own service line, call the CWLP Service Department at 217-321-1409 a few business days ahead to have the power shut off temporarily.
Fees, penalties, and the ordinance
- Penalties
- Section 102.999: "Any person who violates any provision of this chapter or who fails to comply with any notice issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, upon being found guilty of violation, in addition to any assessed costs, shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $500 for each separate offense, each day during which any violation of the provisions of this chapter shall occur or continue shall be a separate offense." The city may also "pursue expenses for replacing or remediating a tree which has been damaged, removed, or made non-viable."
- Ordinance
- City of Springfield Code of Ordinances, Title IX (General Regulations), Chapter 102 - Urban Forestry/Tree Preservation, sections 102.01 through 102.999. Ord. No. 285-07-22, section 1(Exh. A), adopted July 5, 2022, rewrote the chapter and renamed it from "Urban Forestry" to "Urban Forestry/Tree Preservation." The prior text was Ord. No. 585-10-03 of October 21, 2003. Code current through Ordinance No. 146-04-26, enacted April 7, 2026 (Supp. No. 82).
Worth knowing
- The scope is stated twice. Section 102.01(a): the purpose is "preserving, protecting and enhancing the urban forest located on public land." Section 102.40 is headed "Protection of public property trees, shrubs and other plants" and its prohibition runs only to "any public property tree, shrub, or plant." Public Works describes its own role as "managing city-owned trees."
- CWLP is the distinctive Springfield answer and it reaches into private yards. The utility states: "Most power lines have an easement that allows utilities like CWLP and its contractors access for maintenance as necessary. Regardless of the easement, CWLP may have to prune or remove trees that are on private property in order to ensure the safety and the reliability of the electric system for the public."
- The split of responsibility is worth knowing before you call. CWLP handles trees conflicting with high-voltage primary electric wires even on private property. Trees near your service line, the wire running from the transformer to your building, are your responsibility in most cases, though the Line Clearance Supervisor may assess and assist.
- Cleanup rules differ by cause. On routine line clearance, CWLP or its contractor removes all waste, though larger cuttings may sit about a week. After storm damage or emergency repairs, cleanup of what is left behind is the property owner's responsibility.
- CWLP will not top trees: "Topping off is bad for trees, and often causes rapid growth back toward the power lines." It uses directional trimming instead, and publishes an annual tree trimming map showing where the line clearance program will work.
- Springfield has an Urban Forestry Commission of ten commissioners, seven appointed by the mayor and three ex officio: the director of public works, the general manager of public utilities and the arborist. It meets at least six times a year and advises on permits, policy and ordinance amendments.
- The Arboricultural Specifications and Standards of Practice Manual holds the operative planting, maintenance and removal standards and the desirable species lists in Appendices A, B and C. Copies are on file for public inspection at the city clerk's office.
- For a right-of-way tree not in conflict with electric lines, CWLP directs residents to Public Works at 217-789-2255 or public.works@springfield.il.us.
What we could not confirm
We would rather tell you what we don't know than guess. Call the office below to confirm these before you cut.
- — A direct phone number or email for the city arborist. Only the general Office of Public Works line is published.
- — Whether trees on Lake Springfield shoreline lots, which CWLP owns and leases, carry separate vegetation restrictions under Chapter 96. The chapter mentions "Planting of trees, shrubs, and flowers" but no removal rule was confirmed.
- — Whether Springfield licenses, bonds or registers tree service companies. No tree service or arborist article appears in Title XI, Chapter 110 (Business Licensing).
- — Any diameter threshold. Chapter 102 sets none, on public or private land.
- — Whether the zoning code's landscape, screening and lighting regulations at section 155.480, which Chapter 102 cross-references, impose tree replacement obligations that could reach a residential lot during development.
- — Whether a nuisance tree on private property can be ordered removed. Chapter 102 defines "Nuisance trees" but its enforcement provisions are written around public property; Chapter 98 (Nuisances) was not confirmed to cover trees.