Hamilton, Ohio Street Tree Removal: Approval and the Stump

What does Hamilton require before a street tree comes out?

Hamilton requires written approval from the city before you remove a tree in the public right-of-way. The city’s Urban Forestry page says: “The City of Hamilton’s Tree Ordinance requires that property owners obtain written approval from the City prior to pruning and/or removal of any tree located in the public right-of-way (typically, this is the area between the curb and the sidewalk).”

The right-of-way is public land. The strip next to the street is often called the tree lawn, and a tree there is a street tree. The page is the city’s own, and the facts below are as of October 2026.

How do I apply, and what does it cost?

You fill out an application and return it to the Municipal Arborist. The city page says: “There is no charge for the application to prune or remove a street tree.” The page lists the arborist’s office at 345 High Street, Suite 450, Hamilton, and the phone number 513-785-7556.

The steps, as the city page lays them out:

1. Complete the application before any pruning or removal.
2. Return it to the Municipal Arborist.
3. Wait to hear whether the city approves it.
4. If approved, get a Right-of-Way Permit from Public Works.

Is there a second permit?

Yes, once the application is approved. The page states: “If the application for street tree pruning and/or removal is approved it will be necessary to obtain a Right-of-Way Permit issued by the City of Hamilton Public Works Department.”

The same page says that permit is free and is obtained from the Public Works office on weekdays. Call the Public Works office listed on the page for current hours before you go.

Who grinds the stump in Hamilton?

The city’s FAQ points to the property owner. It quotes the code: “Per Codified Ordinance 915.05, it is the responsibility of the property owner and/ or occupant to maintain tree(s) located in the public right-of-way (including pruning, removal, and stump grinding).”

That puts stump grinding for a tree-lawn tree on the owner or occupant. It is a different answer from some nearby cities. Wyoming, for example, says its city grinds those stumps. Our guide who owns the stump on the tree lawn compares seven towns.

Read the order of steps carefully. The ordinance asks for approval before removal. The FAQ puts the removal and the stump on the owner. The pages we read do not say whether a separate approval is needed to grind a stump that is left after an approved removal. Ask the Municipal Arborist before you schedule a grinder.

Will the city take a dead tree out for me?

Usually not. The Frequent Q and A page says the city trims and removes trees in rights-of-way “if power lines are involved.” It also says: “The City does not trim or remove trees on private property or in the public rights-of-way where no power lines are located.” A dead tree on the strip, with no power lines involved, therefore falls to the owner.

The page adds that the arborist will inspect the trees in question for residents. It also says the Municipal Arborist will review trees on private property by appointment only.

What about a stump on my own lawn in Hamilton?

The rules above are for the public strip. A stump on private ground is outside the Tree Ordinance language quoted here. The city says it does not trim or remove trees on private property. The Municipal Arborist will review trees on private property by appointment only.

For a private-yard stump you can plan the work as any owner would. The method is covered in how stump grinding works. See the Hamilton stump grinding page for local information.

Can I plant a new tree after the stump is gone?

Planting in the strip needs a city step too. The Frequently Asked Questions page says that once the form is returned, “the Municipal Arborist will review the species selection and planting site.” It also gives minimum tree lawn widths from City Ordinance Chapter 915: 4 feet for a small tree, 6 feet for a medium tree and 8 feet for a large tree. Check your strip against those numbers before you choose a species. Our guide on planting a tree after stump grinding covers the wait and the spacing.

What about utilities underground?

Utility lines may run under a tree lawn. Whether a given grind counts as excavation is a question for OHIO811. The pillar before you grind: 811, tree lawn and permits reports what Ohio law and OHIO811 say, word for word.

Next step

Start with the city’s application, then plan the stump. Read who owns the stump on the tree lawn for the side-by-side view. Call (513) 587-6772 or send photos for a free estimate.