Spartanburg County, SC Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Pruning standard
- National Arborist Association (Sec. 38-23)
- Topping
- Unlawful on public trees
- Topping defined
- Cuts to stubs over 3 inches
- Storm damage
- Exempt from topping ban
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor (Sec. 38-59)
Summary
In the City of Spartanburg, all tree pruning must follow National Arborist Association shade-tree standards, and "topping" any street, park, or public tree is unlawful. The county sets no pruning rule for private yard trees.
All pruning of trees shall comply with the National Arborists Association, Pruning Standards for Shade Trees.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 29).
Full Breakdown
City of Spartanburg Sec. 38-23(b) requires that all pruning of trees comply with the National Arborists Association Pruning Standards for Shade Trees. Sec. 38-58 makes it unlawful as a normal practice to "top" any street, park, or other public tree, defined as severe cutting of limbs to stubs larger than three inches within the crown so as to disfigure the tree. Storm-damaged trees and certain trees under utility wires are exempt. These rules govern public and street trees; the county sets no trimming standard for trees on your own private property in the unincorporated area.
Violations & Fines
Violation of the city tree article is a misdemeanor (Sec. 38-59). Interfering with tree-board pruning or removal operations is also unlawful (Sec. 38-82).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I top a tree in the City of Spartanburg?
Are there pruning standards I must follow?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Spartanburg County
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