New Braunfels, TX Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code Sec. 114-3(c)
- Who must trim
- Abutting property owner/occupant
- Covers
- ROW, parkway, easement trees
- Max fine
- $500 per day (Sec. 1-8)
- Liability
- Owner liable for resulting injury
Summary
Owners must trim or remove hazardous tree parts overhanging the right-of-way, sidewalks, and easements at their own expense.
it shall be the duty and the obligation of all owners, occupants and users of real property abutting upon a tree or tree part, including those trees or tree parts situated in the right-of-way, (excluding any median in a street), parkway, utility easement, drainage easement or other public way, to maintain, at the expense of said owner, occupant and/or user of said real property said tree or tree part in a safe condition and to trim, prune or remove any tree or tree part that is in an unsafe or hazardous condition.(d)If any injury or damage is occasioned or suffered or inflicted upon any person by reason of the violation of the provisions of this section, primary liability for any loss or damage shall be upon the owner, occupant or user of such property. (Ord. No. 2005-75, § 1(Exh. A), 10-24-05)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 36).
Full Breakdown
City code puts the trimming duty on the abutting property owner, not the city. Sec. 114-3(c) requires owners, occupants, and users of property abutting a tree or tree part, including trees rooted in the right-of-way, parkway, utility easement, or drainage easement, to keep that tree in a safe condition and to trim, prune, or remove any tree or tree part that becomes unsafe or hazardous, at the owner's own expense. Sec. 114-3(d) makes the owner primarily liable for any injury or damage the violation causes. This applies even though the city, New Braunfels Utilities, or other utility providers separately retain authority to regulate vegetation in easements and rights-of-way.
Violations & Fines
Code-wide general penalty (Sec. 1-8): fine up to $500 per offense; each day the hazard continues is a separate violation. Owner is also primarily liable for any resulting injury or property damage under Sec. 114-3(d).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the city trim trees over my sidewalk for me?
What if a utility company also touches the tree?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in New Braunfels
Texas rules heatmap·Compare New Braunfels to another location·View the Texas landscaping rules overview
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