Lexington, KY Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Lexington maintains a Tree Board and an Urban Forester within the Division of Environmental Services who oversee the LFUCG street tree program and the Tree Protection Ordinance. Trees planted within the public right-of-way (typically the strip between the sidewalk and curb, even when adjacent to private property) are considered public trees, and trimming, pruning, or removal requires coordination with the Urban Forester. Property owners must obtain a right-of-way permit before pruning these trees or risk liability for damage. On private property, homeowners may prune or remove most trees without a permit, but trees located in Neighborhood Design Overlays, Historic Districts, and certain Planned Unit Developments may have tree protection requirements. Utility line clearance by Kentucky Utilities and LG&E is governed by Kentucky PSC rules and performed on a regular cycle. Under Kentucky common law, neighbors may trim branches and roots that cross onto their property up to the property line without the tree owner's consent, but cannot enter the neighbor's yard to do so or damage the tree's health. Historic district trees in Gratz Park, Ashland, and Ashland Park may have additional protection.