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Evansville, IN Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing body
Evansville Tree Advisory Board
Permit needed for
Topping or severe pruning cuts
Pruning standard
ANSI A300 and Z133.1 required
Fine range
$100 to $1,000 per violation

Summary

Trimming a street, park, or public tree in Evansville needs Tree Advisory Board sign-off for anything beyond routine care; topping a tree or cutting limbs back to stubs over three inches is banned without approval.

It shall be unlawful for any person to: (1) top or head any public tree, or (2) cut any public tree's limbs within the tree's canopy back to stubs larger than three inches in diameter, unless approved by the Tree Advisory Board, or its designated agent.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance G-2026-12, passed June 22, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Evansville's Tree Advisory Board, created under EMC Chapter 2.90, controls trimming and pruning of every public tree, meaning any tree on a City street, walkway, sidewalk, or park. Routine public tree care must be initiated by the Board and carried out by a licensed arborist. It is unlawful to top or head a public tree, or to cut a limb inside the canopy back to a stub larger than three inches in diameter, without Board approval. Pruning must follow ANSI A300 and ANSI Z133.1 safety standards. Owners who want to trim a public tree overhanging their own lot must get the Board's permission first and do the work at their own risk.

Violations & Fines

Violating Chapter 2.90, including illegal topping or unapproved trimming of a public tree, carries a fine of $100 to $1,000 per violation, plus possible legal action by the Tree Advisory Board.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I trim the street tree in front of my Evansville home?
Only with Tree Advisory Board approval if it overhangs your property; routine light care is one thing, but topping or heavy cuts back to stubs over three inches always need a permit.
What counts as illegal 'topping' under Evansville's tree ordinance?
Cutting a public tree's limbs within its canopy back to stubs over three inches in diameter, or heading/topping the tree, unless the Tree Advisory Board approves it first.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Evansville

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsWeed OrdinancesSome RestrictionsCompostingLight RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage TreesSome RestrictionsNative PlantsLight RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingFew RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions

All Evansville rules

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