Burleson, TX Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Burleson does not print a single clearance height for branches over a street in the section read here. Its rule works by obstruction. Section 34-61(b)(2) says a person who owns, occupies or controls property in the City of Burleson commits an offense by allowing landscaping and vegetation, including trees, shrubbery, bushes and vines, to cause any of the following: physically obstructing the doors or windows of a structure so as to prevent ingress or egress; projecting across or obstructing any sidewalk, driveway, alley or street; or visually obscuring more than 25 percent of the front door or porch when viewed from the street directly in front of it. Paragraph c adds a separate offense for landscaping that invades or obstructs soffits, eaves, fascia, vent screening or any other portion of a roof.

The duty falls on the owner, occupant or person in control, not on the city or the utility. Growth in the parkway, the strip between the property line or sidewalk and the curb, must also stay at or below 12 inches on average for weeds and grass under § 34-61(b)(4).

Two related rules matter for tree work. Section 34-31(21) makes any dead tree, as determined by a certified arborist, on private property a public nuisance. For public trees, § 86-86 says it is unlawful as a normal practice for any person or firm to top a street tree, park tree or other tree on public property, and it defines topping as the severe cutting back of limbs to stubs larger than three inches in diameter within the crown. Storm-damaged trees and certain trees under utility wires are exempt.

Enforcement starts with a written notice. The owner has seven days after receiving it before the city can enter, do the work and charge the owner (§ 34-62(a)).