Lincoln regulates street trees under LMC Chapter 12.20 (Trees and Shrubbery). Property owners must maintain trees adjacent to public rights-of-way and keep clear vertical and horizontal clearance for sidewalks and streets. Licensed arborists required for certain work per LMC Chapter 5.06.
Lincoln Municipal Code Chapter 12.20 governs trees and shrubbery in public rights-of-way. Property owners are responsible for trimming trees that overhang sidewalks and streets to maintain safe clearance. Street trees must provide at least 8 feet of vertical clearance over sidewalks and 14 feet over streets. Nebraska Revised Statute 39-1812 also places a duty on landowners to trim hedges and trees along public roads so they do not obstruct the view of travelers. LMC Chapter 5.06 requires arborists performing commercial tree work in Lincoln to be licensed. The Community Forestry program within Parks and Recreation manages the city tree canopy and maintains an approved street tree species list. Ash species are restricted from new street plantings due to emerald ash borer concerns.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Lincoln, NE
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See how Lincoln's tree trimming rules stack up against other locations.
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