Noblesville, IN Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Chapter 97 splits tree-trimming responsibility between the city and adjoining property owners. Under § 97.12(A), the Urban Forester can prune, or order pruned, any privately owned tree that overhangs a street, sidewalk or public right-of-way if it endangers public safety, blocks a streetlight at an intersection, obstructs a driver's view of an intersection or traffic control device, or interferes with passing vehicles and pedestrians; exact clearance heights over sidewalks and streets are set in the Arboricultural Specifications Manual referenced in that section. The Noblesville Street Department budget and the city's non-reverting tree fund normally cover routine street tree care under § 97.12(B)-(C), performed by certified, bonded and insured arborists the Urban Forester hires and inspects.

An owner-occupant is responsible for basic upkeep of the street tree in the right-of-way between their property and the street, such as watering and raking up leaves and twigs, and no permit is required for that routine work under § 97.12(D). If an owner wants to hire their own certified arborist for that routine care, or do more extensive trimming themselves, § 97.12(E) and (I) require a permit from the Urban Forester first. Beyond routine care, § 97.12(G) makes it unlawful, as a normal practice, to top a street tree, prune a branch more than three inches in diameter horizontally, or cut limbs back to stubs over three inches in diameter without the Urban Forester's approval, and any resulting stump has to be ground eight inches below grade and seeded under § 97.12(H).