Orem, UT Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Orem regulates trees primarily through its nuisance code in Chapter 11 (Health and Sanitation), Article 11-1 (Nuisances). Section 11-1-3 enumerates the specific conditions that constitute a public nuisance, and item 16 of that list covers 'Dead, decayed, diseased, or hazardous trees, weeds, hedges, and overgrown or uncultivated vegetation which is in a hazardous condition, is an obstruction to pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or which is likely to harbor rats, vermin or other pests.' This makes the property owner responsible for trimming back limbs and vegetation that block sidewalks, streets, or sightlines, and for removing dead or hazardous trees. Maintaining such a condition is enforceable as a nuisance: under Section 11-1-8, any person who maintains or assists in maintaining a nuisance is guilty of a class C misdemeanor, and the City may also pursue civil abatement. Routine, healthy-tree pruning is not regulated for private property; the trigger is hazard, obstruction, or pest harborage. Tree planting and care on City-owned land and park strips is separately addressed by the City's tree-stewardship and street-tree provisions.