Bristol, CT Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Bristol's tree ordinance splits tree work on city-owned property into separate authorized acts. Section 21-12(6)a covers planting, treating, pruning, removing or disturbing a tree, shrub or forested area outright; Section 21-12(6)b addresses the narrower hazard scenario a homeowner or contractor is more likely to face: trimming, pruning or removing any tree or shrub, or a portion of it, if that tree, shrub or portion reasonably may be expected to fall on city-owned property, such as a street tree limb overhanging a sidewalk or roadway. Either action requires the tree warden's authorization first; the code does not set a numeric clearance height for trimming, leaving the determination to the tree warden, who under subsection (4)a enforces all preservation laws and ordinances covering trees and shrubs on public property and rights-of-way, and under subsection (4)d holds the authority to plant, remove, maintain and protect trees and shrubs on all city-owned property and rights-of-way.

Cutting limbs over a city sidewalk or street without going through the warden first is treated the same as unauthorized removal. Subsection (7)a additionally bars interfering with the warden or the warden's agents while they inspect or supervise trimming work. The rule sits within the same Chapter 21, Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places framework that governs sidewalks and rights-of-way generally, reflecting that hazard trimming is chiefly about protecting public travel on city property, not a private tree on a resident's own lot away from the right-of-way.