Fayetteville, AR Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Commercial Certificate
- Required for tree services
- Liability Insurance
- $100,000 minimum
- ISA Exam
- 75% to qualify
- Overhang Pruning
- Owner's responsibility
- Public Trees
- No topping to stubs
Summary
Homeowners can trim their own trees, but any business doing tree work in Fayetteville must hold a City Commercial Tree Pruner/Service Certificate and carry $100,000 liability coverage. Owners must prune branches overhanging streets or sidewalks, and topping public trees is prohibited.
Before cutting, pruning, removing or trimming any tree within the City of Fayetteville, the owner and supervisory personnel of each business performing commercial tree work shall obtain a City issued Commercial Tree Pruner/Service Certificate.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 167 governs tree work. Under Section 167.07, before cutting, pruning, removing, or trimming any tree in the city, the owner and supervisory staff of a commercial tree service must obtain a City-issued Commercial Tree Pruner/Service Certificate, carry liability insurance of $100,000 general aggregate and per occurrence, and either complete a tree-science workshop or score 75% or higher on the ISA exam. Under Section 167.08, every owner of a tree overhanging a street or sidewalk must prune it so branches do not obstruct vehicles or pedestrians. Section 167.06 makes it unlawful to top or cut public street trees back to stubs.
Violations & Fines
Performing commercial tree work without the required certificate or insurance violates Section 167.07. Topping or mutilating a public right-of-way tree violates Section 167.06 and is subject to the general penalty under Section 10.99.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to trim my own tree?
Who trims branches hanging over the sidewalk?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fayetteville
Compare Fayetteville to another location·View the Arkansas landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Tree Trimming in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Washington County handle tree trimming.