Tree Removal in Oxford, AL

Is the tree yours or the City's?

A tree growing between the sidewalk and the curb is usually in the street right-of-way, not in your yard. Oxford's Code of Ordinances (Chapter 38, Article IV) makes it unlawful to put plants, trees or shrubbery in that strip within 25 feet of a street intersection, or anywhere they would block a driver's view of cross traffic.^[1] We found no Oxford rule saying who may cut other street-side trees, so the safe move is to call the City before any saw starts.

Permit for work in the right-of-way

Oxford's 311 help center says a permit is needed for work in the right-of-way and points to the City Engineer at 256-835-6124.^[2] Ask whether your job needs one, and who is responsible if the tree sits on City ground. A tree company that does this work often can tell you what they have seen, but the City's answer is the one that counts.

Power lines and 811

Alabama Power says an unqualified person shouldn't work within 10 feet of overhead lines below 50,000 volts, and that tree work near power lines is for line-clearance qualified workers.^[3] If the stump will be ground, Alabama law calls for at least three business days' notice through 811 before digging, and the call is free.^[4] Mention any line over the tree when you send your request.

What does it cost?

We have no Oxford price survey. National guides put a typical tree removal at $400 to $1,200, with a national average near $850.^[5] Height, access, power lines and what the tree could fall on all change the number, and a written on-site estimate is the only real price. See the cost guide for the full national table.

How to get an estimate in Oxford

1. Take two or three photos of the tree and note what is under it.
2. If it is near the street, call the City (256-835-6124 for the City Engineer) about the right-of-way.
3. Send the free request. An independent local tree company reaches out for an on-site estimate.

Other Oxford-area pages: service area, stump grinding, storm and emergency removal.

Related guides

• Tree removal cost guide (national ranges)
• When and how a tree removal is done
• Storm and emergency tree removal
• Service area: Anniston, Oxford, Jacksonville

Quick answers

Can I cut down the tree between my sidewalk and the street in Oxford?

We found no Oxford rule that says who may cut street-side trees, so call the City first. Oxford's 311 help center says work in the right-of-way needs a permit and points to the City Engineer at 256-835-6124.

Is there a rule about planting near a corner in Oxford?

Yes. Oxford's Code of Ordinances makes it unlawful to put plants, trees or shrubbery between the sidewalk and the curb within 25 feet of a street intersection, or anywhere they would block a driver's view of cross traffic.

What should I do before a stump is ground in Oxford?

Alabama law calls for at least three business days' notice through 811 before digging, and the call is free. Ask whether your tree company files it, and mention any power line over the tree when you request an estimate.

Sources

1. City of Oxford Code of Ordinances, Ch. 38, Art. IV (Encroachments), via Municode (accessed Oct 17, 2026)
2. City of Oxford 311 help center: permit to work on the right-of-way (accessed Oct 17, 2026)
3. Alabama Power, Residential Vegetation Management (accessed Oct 17, 2026)
4. Alabama Power, Call Before You Dig (Alabama 811) (accessed Oct 16, 2026)
5. HomeGuide, Tree removal cost (national) (accessed Oct 16, 2026)