Tree Trimming
Landscaping Rules
Rules about trimming trees that overhang sidewalks, streets, or neighboring properties, and when you need permission to prune city trees.
How Tree Trimming Rules Differ by Place
Anaheim, CA: Anaheim Tree Trimming Standards
Heavy RestrictionsAnaheim requires pruning of required and specimen trees to comply with ISA standards per AMC 18.46.090 and Chapter 13.12. Street tree maintenance is coordinated by the city. Topping of…
Daly City, CA: Permit required to trim street or city trees
Heavy RestrictionsNo one may prune, spray, plant, or otherwise work on any public right-of-way or street tree in Daly City without a permit from the Director of Public Works under Municipal Code section…
Fullerton, CA: City street trees - permit required (FMC 9.06)
Heavy RestrictionsUnder Fullerton Municipal Code Chapter 9.06, property owners are NOT responsible for trimming street trees in the parkway - the City prunes, removes, and plants them through its…
Surprise, AZ: Surprise Tree Trimming Rules
Few RestrictionsSurprise requires property owners to maintain trees so they do not obstruct sidewalks, streets, or sight lines. Trees overhanging public rights-of-way must provide minimum clearance…
Compton, CA: Compton Tree Trimming Rules
Few RestrictionsCompton does not have a specific tree trimming ordinance or heritage tree program. Property owners may trim trees on their property. California law (Civil Code 3346) addresses damage…
El Monte, CA: Tree pruning under Chapter 14.03 Tree Protection and Preservation Ordinance
Few RestrictionsEl Monte Municipal Code Chapter 14.03 protects designated 'Protected Trees' and prohibits topping or lion-tailing. Routine pruning does not require a permit but must follow ANSI A300…
Tree Trimming Rules by State
Statewide law governs this topic in many states. Each entry links to that state's full page.
Connecticut
Heavy RestrictionsConnecticut law universally requires every municipality to appoint a tree warden with exclusive authority over the care, pruning, and removal of trees within public roads, parks, and…
Maryland
Heavy RestrictionsMaryland law universally requires a state-issued permit before anyone trims, prunes, plants, or removes a tree growing in whole or part within a public road right-of-way anywhere in…
Massachusetts
Heavy RestrictionsMassachusetts General Laws Chapter 87 establishes statewide rules governing the trimming, pruning, and care of public shade trees, requiring a tree warden's authorization for cutting…
New Hampshire
Some RestrictionsNew Hampshire RSA 231:139-145 governs trimming of shade and ornamental trees within public rights-of-way. Tree wardens have statewide authority, and removal of public shade trees…
Ohio
Heavy RestrictionsOhio Revised Code 901.51 imposes treble damages statewide on anyone who recklessly cuts, injures, or destroys trees, shrubs, or vines on another's property without consent.
Pennsylvania
Some RestrictionsPennsylvania PUC regulations universally authorize utilities to trim or remove trees within rights-of-way and easements to ensure electric service reliability statewide.
Cities & Counties with Tree Trimming Rules
490 locations
Alabama
California
Massachusetts
Other Landscaping Rules Topics
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Permit requirements for removing trees on private property, protected and significant tree thresholds, replacement planting standards, and the penalties for unpermitted removal.
Weed Ordinances
Requirements to keep weeds and grass below a set height, the numeric limits (commonly 8 to 12 inches), abatement notices, and the liens cities can place after mowing it themselves.
Water Restrictions
Watering schedules, drought restrictions, and limits on outdoor irrigation including which days and times you can water your lawn.
Rainwater Harvesting
Whether you can collect rainwater, how much you can store, and any permits or tank size restrictions for residential rain barrels and cisterns.
Native Plants
Incentives or requirements for using native and drought-tolerant plants in your landscaping, and rules about replacing traditional lawns.
Artificial Turf
Rules about installing synthetic grass, including whether it counts toward water-saving rebates and any HOA or city restrictions.
Composting
Rules for backyard composting bins and piles plus curbside organics, bin requirements, allowed materials, setbacks, pest control, and any mandated diversion programs.