Cincinnati Municipal Code Chapter 743 (Urban Forestry) regulates the trimming and maintenance of public trees. Only the city Urban Forestry Division or its authorized agents may trim or prune trees in public rights-of-way. Property owners are responsible for private tree maintenance but must not damage public trees.
Under CMC Chapter 743, Cincinnati designates the Urban Forestry Division as responsible for the care and maintenance of all public shade trees, street trees, and park trees within the city. No person may trim, prune, or otherwise alter any public tree without prior authorization from the Urban Forest Manager. Property owners who have private trees overhanging public sidewalks or streets are expected to maintain clearance so as not to obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic. The city may trim private branches that encroach on public rights-of-way if the owner fails to do so after notice. Unauthorized trimming or damaging of public trees may result in a minor misdemeanor citation. Residents may request tree trimming services for public right-of-way trees through Cincinnati 311 at (513) 591-6000 or the online service request portal.
Unauthorized trimming of a public tree is a minor misdemeanor under CMC Chapter 743.
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