Idaho Falls, ID Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Under the Community Forestry chapter (City Code Title 8, Chapter 9), adjacent property owners are responsible for maintaining street trees and woody vegetation along the public right-of-way abutting their property. Section 8-9-7 requires owners, when directed by the City Forester, to prune private trees so branches provide vertical clearance of not less than eight feet (8') over a sidewalk or walking path, thirteen feet (13') over the back of curb, and fifteen feet (15') over the center of the street or alley. The same section requires keeping traffic-control devices visible at sight distances that scale with the speed limit. Section 8-9-11 separately requires owners to remove or trim, at their expense, any limbs or foliage overhanging a public street, sidewalk, alley, or easement that interfere with public travel. The City's Tree Trimming brochure restates the 8'/13'/15' clearances and notes noncompliance is turned over to Code Enforcement and can result in a municipal court citation. Pruning public trees below a fifteen-foot height is exempt from licensing (8-9-8), but homeowners are encouraged to hire an ISA-certified arborist for large limbs, power-equipment work, or work near power lines. All tree maintenance must follow the ANSI A300 standard adopted in 8-9-19.