St. Louis County, MO Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- ROW planting
- Banned
- Fallen ROW tree
- Owner responsibility
- Code
- §1218.140
Summary
New trees may not be planted on a St. Louis County right-of-way between the sidewalk and the curb (SLCRO §1218.140). Existing right-of-way trees are owned by the adjacent property owner who is responsible for fallen-tree removal.
Sec. 1218.140. — New trees are not allowed to be planted on a St. Louis County right-of-way, between the sidewalk and the curb.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 85 | Traffic: Supplement 80).
Full Breakdown
Personal property and recreational equipment are also banned from public right-of-way under §1218.140 (Placement of Personal Property on the Public Right-of-Way Prohibited) and §1218.130 (Recreation Equipment Prohibited). Sidewalks on private property must be kept free of trip hazards; the Department of Highways & Traffic repairs sidewalks in public ROW at no charge to homeowners.
Violations & Fines
Removal of unauthorized trees at owner expense; up to $1,000 fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant a tree in my parkway strip?
Who handles fallen branches in the street?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Louis County
Compare St. Louis County to another location·View the Missouri landscaping rules overview
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