Caldwell, ID Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Caldwell maintains a formal Tree Ordinance at Caldwell City Code Chapter 10, Article 8, administered by the City Forester within the Parks and Recreation Department's Forestry program. The ordinance covers the duties and powers of the City Forester, standards for public-tree care, nuisance trees, and the prohibition on damaging public trees. Under the public-tree provisions, trees may not be damaged by the practice of "topping"; the code defines topping as the severe cutting back of limbs to stubs. Exceptions exist for trees severely damaged by storms or other causes, and for certain trees growing under utility wires or other obstructions where alternative pruning practices are impractical, as determined by the City Forester. A tree or shrub on public or private property that obstructs the free passage of pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or that obstructs street lighting or signage, may be declared a nuisance and required to be trimmed back. Work on public or street trees for hire is reserved to licensed private tree services under Section 10-08-12. Property owners are generally responsible for keeping their trees pruned so branches do not create hazards or block the right-of-way, while routine pruning of street/public trees is coordinated with the Forestry program.