It’s my tree. Why can’t I cut it down?
Planet Money
- Published
- June 12, 2026
- Duration
- 25:15
- Summary source
- description
- Last updated
- Jul 22, 2026
Discusses Can the government stop you from cutting down your own tree? In many towns and cities these days, re…
Summary
Can the government stop you from cutting down your own tree? In many towns and cities these days, removing a tree now requires a permit. You might have to pay a fee, or promise to plant replacement trees. But sometimes, the city won't let you cut down the tree at all, even a tree in your own backyard.That's because trees are important for air quality, for…
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Show notes
Can the government stop you from cutting down your own tree? In many towns and cities these days, removing a tree now requires a permit. You might have to pay a fee, or promise to plant replacement trees. But sometimes, the city won't let you cut down the tree at all, even a tree in your own backyard.That's because trees are important for air quality, for flood control, and for public health. They help keep neighborhoods cool on hot days. But some think that tree protection laws have gone too fa