What does a Cincinnati street tree removal cost the resident?
If you ask the city to remove a public tree, you pay three things before the permit is approved. They are the appraised value of the tree, the cost of removal, and the cost of stump grinding. That comes straight from the Cincinnati Parks Urban Forestry page.
The exact sentence reads: “If the tree is to be removed due to the request, the requesting party will be required to pay the appraised value of the tree, as well as the cost for removal and stump grinding, prior to permit approval.”
The page gives no dollar figures. This post gives none either. A forester sets the appraised value after an inspection, so ask your district forester for the numbers on your tree.
What does each part of the charge mean?
The page names the parts but does not define them. The table below shows what each part is based on the plain wording, and what the page leaves open.
| Charge | What it is | What the page says about the amount |
|---|---|---|
| Appraised value of the tree | The value placed on the public tree being removed | No amount listed |
| Cost of removal | Taking the tree down | No amount listed |
| Cost of stump grinding | Grinding the stump after removal | No amount listed |
Notice that stump grinding is part of the bill. The stump is not a surprise extra. The city counts it with the removal. For background on how tree removal and stump work are priced apart, see what the quote should list for stump vs tree removal.
When does the requester pay?
Only when the removal happens because of the request. The page says “if the tree is to be removed due to the request.” It does not say what happens when the city removes a tree on its own, and this post does not guess.
The city’s own role is stated clearly. Cincinnati Parks Urban Forestry says its team “is responsible for the maintenance of all City street trees, or any trees in a right-of-way.” A street tree in the tree lawn is public, so the city decides what happens to it.
How do I get the Public Tree Work Permit?
The Urban Forestry page describes four steps. A public tree work permit is required by Cincinnati Municipal Code Chapter 743-7 for work on or near a public tree, or for planting within the right of way.
- Download the fillable PDF permit from the Urban Forestry site.
- Submit it to your District Urban Forester.
- The forester reviews the permit and inspects the tree to decide the best course of action for the scope of the work.
- If the tree will be removed because of your request, pay the appraised value plus removal and stump grinding before the permit is approved.
The page says the permit exists “to ensure the health of public trees and safety of pedestrians are maintained.” If you want to talk it over first, the page lists the Division of Natural Resources at 513-861-9070, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
What if I only need the stump gone?
That is a different request. For a stump left from a public tree, Cincinnati has a separate 311Cincy request. Forestry staff check whether the stump is already on the list and scheduled for grinding. If it is not, a forester investigates and updates you. The full steps are in who grinds the stump in front of my Cincinnati house.
Ownership is the first question for any stump near the street. The right of way belongs to the public, and the tree lawn sits inside it. Read who owns the stump on the tree lawn before you hire anyone.
What should I check before I pay?
- Ask the forester for the appraised value in writing.
- Ask what the removal and stump grinding charges cover.
- Ask when the permit is approved and when the work happens.
- Do not start any work on or near a public tree before the permit is approved. The code requires the permit before the work.
Cincinnati Stump Grinding is a private company. It does not work with the city program and does not issue or process city permits. The city sets and collects these charges. For pricing on your own lot, see stump grinding cost. For local pages, see stump grinding in Cincinnati.
The page was read on October 26, 2026. Check the Urban Forestry page for current rules.
Next step
Read before you grind: 811, tree lawn and permits for the full picture on public and private ground. For a stump on your own lot, call (513) 587-6772 or send photos for a free estimate.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Cincinnati public tree work permit cost?
The Urban Forestry page does not list a dollar amount. It says the requesting party pays the appraised value of the tree plus the cost for removal and stump grinding, before the permit is approved. Ask your district forester for the figures.
Who needs a Public Tree Work Permit in Cincinnati?
The page says the Cincinnati Municipal Code requires one before any work on or near a public tree, or before planting a new tree within the right of way. The permit exists to protect tree health and pedestrian safety.
Who do I send the permit form to?
The page says to download the fillable PDF and send it to your District Urban Forester. The forester reviews the permit and inspects the tree to decide the best course of action for the scope of work.
Terms on this page
Sources
Written by Cincinnati Stump Grinding and checked against the sources above on October 26, 2026. City rules and product guidance change, so check the linked page before you act.