Fort Smith, AR Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Fort Smith's tree-trimming rules are largely permissive on private trees but mandatory for nuisance conditions. The Fort Smith Municipal Code Chapter 16 (Nuisances), accessible at https://library.municode.com/ar/fort_smith, authorizes the City Administrator or a designated representative to order any owner or occupant of real property within the city limits to cut weeds, grass, or dead or dying trees, and to remove dead limbs (on the ground or hanging in trees) from the property and from adjoining alleys, utility easements, rights-of-way, and drainage easements. Routine pruning of a healthy, fully private tree does not require a Fort Smith permit. The Fort Smith Streets Department maintains trees within the City right-of-way and drainage easements and does not perform work on private property. Trees and limbs encroaching on overhead distribution lines are trimmed by OG&E (the local electric utility) and partner utilities under their easement rights and 30 C.F.R. 1926 worker-safety standards. Arkansas's common-law self-help rule allows a neighbor to trim overhanging branches and intruding roots back to the property line, but cuts that damage or kill the neighbor's tree expose the trimmer to liability under Arkansas Code §18-60-102 (timber trespass), which provides treble damages when intent is shown or can be inferred from carelessness or recklessness. The Arkansas Urban & Community Forestry program (Arkansas Department of Agriculture, Forestry Division) provides technical assistance and Tree City USA standards.