Mobile, AL Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Required height
- 7 feet clear
- Required width
- 4 feet clear
- Responsible party
- Abutting owner or tenant
- Status
- Unlawful if unmet
Summary
Mobile property owners and tenants must keep the sidewalk fronting their property clear of tree branches and other obstructions to a height of at least 7 feet and a width of at least 4 feet.
It shall be unlawful and an offense against the city for any person or tenant occupying property within the city to fail to keep the sidewalk in front thereof free from grass, weeds, bushes, trees or any other object which would obstruct the use of the sidewalk by pedestrians. It shall further be unlawful for such person or tenant occupying such piece of property to fail to keep the sidewalk area in front of such property free from obstructions to a height of not less than seven (7) feet and to a width of not less than four (4) feet.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 67).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 57-71 makes it unlawful for any person or tenant occupying property in Mobile to let grass, weeds, bushes, trees, or any other object obstruct the sidewalk in front of the property. The section separately requires the sidewalk area be kept clear of obstructions to a minimum height of seven feet and a minimum width of four feet, placing the trimming duty on the abutting occupant rather than the city.
Violations & Fines
Failing to trim back tree growth encroaching on the required 7-foot height or 4-foot width clearance is an offense against the city under Sec. 57-71, and the responsibility falls on the property's occupant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has to trim trees overhanging a Mobile sidewalk?
How much clearance does a sidewalk in Mobile need?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Mobile
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