Lawrence, KS Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Street/sidewalk clearance
- 8 feet above surface
- Corner vegetation cap
- 36 inches within 50 ft of intersection
- Compliance notice
- 5 days to trim after notice
- Enforcement
- director of parks, recreation & culture
Summary
In the City of Lawrence, any owner whose tree overhangs a public street or right-of-way must trim it to keep an eight-foot clear space above the street or sidewalk and to avoid blocking streetlights or intersection sightlines, under City Code § 18-111. Corner vegetation can't exceed 36 inches high within 50 feet of an intersection.
Every owner or occupant of any house, building, lot, or premises who owns any tree, located on their property, which overhangs any public street or right-of-way within the city shall trim the branches so that such branches shall not obstruct the light from any street lamp or obstruct the view of any street intersection and so that there shall be a clear space of eight feet above the surface of the street or sidewalk. ... (a)All shrubs, bushes, or other vegetation located in the triangle formed by two curb lines at the intersection of two public rights-of-way and extending for a distance of 50 feet each way from the intersection of the curb lines on any corner lot within the city, shall not be permitted to grow to a height exceeding 36 inches above the ground level of any public right-of-way, in order that the view of the driver of a vehicle approaching the intersection of the public rights-of-way shall not be obstructed.
Full Breakdown
Section 18-111 requires every owner or occupant whose tree overhangs a public street or right-of-way to trim the branches so they don't block light from a streetlamp or obstruct the view at a street intersection, and to keep a clear space of eight feet above the street or sidewalk surface. Owners must also remove any dead, diseased or dangerous tree on their property that threatens public health, safety or welfare. The city itself can trim a tree or shrub on private property, confined to the area right above the public right-of-way, when it interferes with a streetlight's spread or blocks visibility of approaching vehicles or a traffic sign.
Subsection (a) sets a hard height cap for corner lots: shrubs, bushes or other vegetation inside the sight triangle formed by two intersecting curblines, extending 50 feet each way from the intersection, cannot grow taller than 36 inches above the right-of-way's ground level. Subsection (b) extends the same no-obstruction rule to any vegetation that would block a driver's view leaving a private driveway onto the right-of-way. If an owner fails to trim in conformity with the section, the director issues notice requiring compliance within five days; once that period runs out, the director can have the trimming done and bill the cost to the property owner in the manner the law allows for collecting other city charges.
Violations & Fines
Letting a tree or corner vegetation obstruct a streetlamp, an intersection sightline, or a driveway view, or failing to keep the eight-foot street/sidewalk clearance or the 36-inch corner-vegetation cap, violates § 18-111. An owner who ignores the director's five-day trim notice has the work done by the city and billed the cost to their property.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much clearance must my tree have over a Lawrence street or sidewalk?
How tall can bushes be on a corner lot in Lawrence?
What happens if I don't trim my tree after the city tells me to?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lawrence
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