Fall River, MA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Min. clearance
- 8 ft over sidewalks, 12 ft streets
- Duty falls on
- Owners of property bordering streets
- Notice period
- 3 weeks to comply
- Enforced by
- Board of Park Commissioners
- Governing section
- Fall River Code § 54-148(A)
Summary
Fall River requires property owners bordering public streets to prune trees so branches don't block streetlights, sidewalks, or traffic sightlines, keeping at least 8 feet of clearance over sidewalks and 12 feet over streets.
The minimum clearance of any overhanging portion thereof shall be eight feet over sidewalks, and 12 feet over all streets and thoroughfares and/or at the discretion of the Board of Park Commissioners, in conjunction with the Urban Tree Commission and the Tree Warden.
B. It shall further be the duty of any person owning or occupying real property upon which there may be a tree(s) to prune, remove, or treat any tree(s) or part thereof which is in an unsafe condition or which, by reason of its nature, poses a threat to persons or public property, or is injurious to sewers or other public improvements or rights-of-way, or is afflicted with an injurious parasite, insect, or other pest so as to constitute a threat to the health and welfare of the public as well as that of the City's urban forest.
C. Notice to prune, remove, or treat tree(s) on private property.
(1) Should any person owning real property bordering on any street or public thoroughfare fail to prune, remove or treat any tree(s) as herein provided above, the Board of Park Commissioners, in conjunction with the Urban Tree Commission and the Tree Warden, shall inform such person that corrective action shall be taken within three weeks or sooner, depending on the seriousness of the problem, upon receipt of a written notice from Board of Park Commissioners, in conjunction with the Urban Tree Commission and the Tree Warden.
(2)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4739915; v14 updated 2025-12-23; through 12-23-2025).
Full Breakdown
Fall River Code § 54-148(A) makes it the duty of anyone owning or occupying property bordering a public street to prune overhanging trees so they don't obstruct or shade streetlights, block pedestrian passage on sidewalks, or obscure traffic signs and intersection sightlines. The minimum overhead clearance is eight feet above sidewalks and 12 feet above streets and thoroughfares, or whatever stricter clearance the Board of Park Commissioners sets. If an owner fails to prune, the Board, working with the Urban Tree Commission and Tree Warden, can order corrective action by certified mail, with three weeks to comply before the City may step in and bill the owner.
Violations & Fines
Ignoring a certified pruning notice lets the City do the work and lien the property for costs; noncompliance also risks Fall River's general $300-per-offense penalty under § 1-15.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much clearance must my trees have over a Fall River sidewalk?
What happens if I don't trim my tree after a notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fall River
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