Landscaping Rules in Tulsa, OK

If you live in Tulsa or are thinking about moving there, landscaping rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Tulsa has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of landscaping rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Tulsa requires a permit before planting any street tree, sets exact curb and sidewalk setbacks, and bans topping street or park trees as a normal practice under Title 35 of the city code.

Key details: Permit required: Before planting any street tree. Curb/sidewalk setback: 7 ft curb, 4 ft sidewalk. Topping ban: Unlawful except storm-damaged trees. Fire hydrant clearance: 15 feet minimum. Max penalty: $1,000 per day, per violation.

Planting a street tree without a permit, planting a prohibited species, or topping a street or park tree violates § 606; fines run up to $1,000 per day under § 700.

Water Restrictions

Tulsa's Mayor can restrict outdoor watering in four escalating stages once daily water use hits 94% of system capacity, from voluntary conservation up to a total outdoor watering ban.

Key details: Trigger: 94% of daily water deliverability. Stage 2 rule: Odd/even address, midnight-noon watering. Stage 4: Total outdoor watering ban. Penalty: $100-$500 fine, up to 30 days jail. Landscaper permit: $35, covers 10 days after install.

Watering in violation of an active Mayor's order is a misdemeanor: a fine of $100 to $500, plus up to 30 days in the City jail. Each day and each separate violation is charged as a distinct offense.

Weed Ordinances

Tulsa bans weeds and rank vegetation over 12 inches tall on private property, with limited exceptions for tended gardens and healthy trees; violations are a nuisance enforced by the city's Nuisance Enforcement Official.

Key details: Height limit: 12 inches maximum. Notice period: 10 business days to abate. City-mow fee: $300 administrative fee. Criminal penalty: Up to $1,200 fine, 180 days jail. Governing law: Title 24 TRO, Nuisances.

Ignoring the abatement notice lets the city mow the lot and lien the property for a $300 fee; maintaining the nuisance is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1,200 fine or 180 days in jail.

Tree Trimming

Tulsa requires 8 feet of limb clearance over sidewalks and 9 feet over streets, and bans topping street and park trees outright.

Key details: Sidewalk clearance: 8 feet minimum. Street clearance: 9 feet minimum. Topping: Prohibited on public trees. Owner duty: Prune right-of-way trees you abut. Max fine: $1,000/day, Title 35 § 700.

Interfering with City crews doing authorized tree work is a misdemeanor under Title 35, § 606.L; general Title 35 violations carry fines up to $1,000 per day under § 700.

The Bottom Line

Tulsa's landscaping rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Tulsa is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Tulsa's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.