Burlington, NC Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Section 34-10 gives the superintendent of streets authority to notify property owners in two situations: trees in front of a lot that need trimming, and dead or dying trees, or parts of them, on a lot adjacent to a public street that could fall into the right-of-way. Once notified, an owner or occupant who refuses or delays more than five days lets the city step in, trim or remove the tree itself, and charge the cost back to the owner or occupant. Section 34-11 covers ongoing maintenance rather than one-time hazards: any tree, vine, bush, shrub, or flower growing on a lot adjacent to a public street, right-of-way, or public place has to be kept trimmed by the property owner or occupant whenever its branches, limbs, trunk, or other parts project into that right-of-way, specifically so it doesn't interfere with safe pedestrian or vehicle passage.

That trimming happens under the supervision of the superintendent of streets, meaning the city can direct how and when the cutting is done rather than leaving it entirely to the owner's discretion. A related provision, section 34-14, separately requires sidewalk-adjacent hedges to be kept trimmed and grass and weeds cleared from the sidewalk itself, with a three-day notice period before a violation attaches. Planting anything new in a public place, meanwhile, needs prior written permission from the community appearance advisory commission under section 34-12.