Rules and Permits
Usually not for a tree on your own lot, but a few situations need a check first. Here is what we found in October 2026, with sources.
Start Here
Published summaries of the Huntsville city code describe the rules for trees on private property as less restrictive than those for public trees, with no citywide replacement rule. So a homeowner can usually remove a tree on their own lot without a city permit.
Four situations change that or add a step: a tree on city land, in the right-of-way or in a utility easement; a house in a historic district; a tree near power lines; and burning the brush. Each is covered below. Rules change, so use this page as a map and confirm with the office named.
Public Trees
The City of Huntsville says anyone who wants a tree in the public right-of-way removed must go through the City Arborist's office for a tree removal permit. Its Landscape Management Department administers the tree ordinance and supports the Huntsville Tree Commission.
A summary of the ordinance, Sec. 27-51, says the permit covers trees of 6 inches across or more on city land, rights-of-way and utility easements, that replacement trees can be required, and that the penalty can reach $500 per tree. We could not read the code itself, so ask the office before any cut. Damaged public trees can be reported through SeeClickFix or Huntsville Connect.
Twickenham, Old Town, Five Points
Huntsville's historic districts include Twickenham (1972), Old Town (1974), Five Points (1999) and the Alabama A&M district. Changes to the outside of a property there can need a certificate from the Historic Preservation Commission. The city's list doesn't name trees, and its guidelines weren't available to read, so check with the Historic Preservation Office before taking down a tree in one of these districts.
Utility First
If a tree is on or touching a power line, stay away and contact Huntsville Utilities or your power company first. The city says its Urban Forestry division and Huntsville Utilities share line clearance and replace street trees removed for it. Alabama's overhead line law also requires 10 feet of clearance for anyone running machinery near lines over 750 volts, according to a state weather network summary.
Burn Permits
The City of Huntsville does not allow open burning unless it is permitted. Its Natural Resources office handles open burning permits, and Huntsville Fire & Rescue's Bureau of Fire Prevention can answer questions. During the 2023 statewide burn ban, burning yard waste was prohibited and violators were cited.
Outside the city, the Alabama Forestry Commission requires a burn permit for burns of a quarter acre or more, and county limits still apply. Check AFC fire-danger notices first. Most people skip all of this by having the crew chip or haul the brush.
Curbside Rules
Huntsville's curbside rules say tree limbs cannot exceed 5 feet in length. Up to 10 cubic yards of limbs goes at no charge, and bigger piles cost $55 plus $55 for each extra 5 cubic yards. Bagged yard waste stays under 50 pounds. Set it out by 7 a.m. on collection day, off the street, gutter, storm drains and sidewalk, and never next to utility lines, poles or boxes.
The key line for tree work: the City will not pick up any debris resulting from a contractor's work. If a crew cuts the tree, hauling the wood has to be in the crew's written scope.
Ask to See It
The City of Huntsville requires contractors working inside city limits to hold a General Business License, zoning clearance and a liability insurance certificate. Door-to-door solicitors need a city Solicitors License too, which matters after a storm. Ask any crew for its license and proof of liability and workers' comp insurance before work, get the scope and price in writing, and don't pay in full up front.
Madison County Towns
We did not read each town's code section by section, so confirm with the local office.
| Town | Tree permit? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Madison, AL (city; Madison and Limestone counties) | Ask the City of Madison before removing a large tree near the street, in a right-of-way or in a subdivision buffer. | Published summaries say open burning is generally illegal in the city, so plan to chip or haul. Limestone County rules were not researched. |
| Owens Cross Roads, AL (city, Madison County) | Check with the City before cutting near a city street. | The city takes limbs up to 8 feet but will not pick up debris from anyone paid for work on the property. |
| Gurley, AL (town, Madison County) | Check with the Town of Gurley before cutting near a town street. | The town handles brush pickup inside its limits; most of town is a historic district. |
| Harvest, Hazel Green and Meridianville, AL (unincorporated, Madison County) | No county tree permit turned up in our research; check with Madison County before cutting near a road. | County districts run brush pickup for a monthly fee, and the districts we read refuse debris from paid crews. Some addresses fall inside a city limit. |
Our Part
Usually not, according to published summaries of the city code, which describe private-tree rules as less restrictive than the rules for public trees. If the tree is in the right-of-way, in a utility easement or in a historic district, check first with the City Arborist's office or the Historic Preservation Office.
Not inside Huntsville without a permit: the City does not allow open burning unless it is permitted, and burn bans can apply statewide. Ask Huntsville Fire & Rescue's Bureau of Fire Prevention. Outside the city, check Alabama Forestry Commission notices and county rules. Chipping or hauling avoids the question.
Keep clear of it, and if any line is involved, contact Huntsville Utilities or your power company first. Report a damaged public tree through SeeClickFix or Huntsville Connect, which the city lists for that purpose. Take photos for your insurer.
Re-check yearly: next review due October 2027, or sooner if the City amends its tree, burning or collection rules.
Send the form with your address. We will tell you which rules may apply and set up a visit from a local tree crew.
Enter a town or a ZIP such as 35801 to see if it is covered.