Landscaping Rules in Portland, ME (2026)
2 verified landscaping rules for Portland, Maine, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Portland requires owners of property bordering a street to prune overhanging trees to a minimum clearance of 10 feet over sidewalks and 12 feet over streets, 16 feet over truck thoroughfares, and bars any tree from blocking street lights, sidewalks, traffic signs or intersection sightlines.
Portland Street Tree Clearance Requirement
Some RestrictionsPortland Code of Ordinances § 29-20 (Ch. 29 Vegetation, Art. II Trees, Code 1968 § 504.5; Ord. No. 441-78, 9-18-78)
It shall be the duty of any person owning or occupying real property upon which there may be trees or plants bordering on any street, to prune such trees or plants in such manner that they will not obstruct or shade the street lights, obstruct the passage of pedestrians or sidewalks, obstruct vision of traffic signs, obstruct the view of any street or alley intersection, or will not create any ...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Before touching any tree on a Portland street, park or other public place, you need a permit from the City Arborist. The rule covers planting, spraying, fertilizing, pruning and removal alike, and every permit carries a firm expiration date tied to the approved scope of work.
Portland Public Tree Removal Permit
Significant RestrictionsPortland Code of Ordinances § 29-18 (Ch. 29 Vegetation, Art. II Trees, Code 1968 § 504.3; Ord. No. 441-78, 9-18-78)
No person shall plant, spray, fertilize, prune, remove, cut or otherwise disturb above or below the ground any tree on any street, park or public place without first filing an application and procuring a permit from the city arborist.