Clay County, MO Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Your own trees
- Prune freely, no permit
- Street/park trees
- City-controlled
- Topping
- Unlawful in Gladstone
- Overhanging limbs
- Trim to property line
Summary
You may prune trees on your own Clay County property freely. Trees in the public right-of-way belong to the city. Gladstone's forestry ordinance even makes topping any street, park, or public tree unlawful.
It shall be unlawful as a normal practice for any person, firm, or city department to top any Street Tree, Park Tree, or other tree on public property.
Full Breakdown
No Missouri or Clay County law restricts pruning a tree that stands entirely on your own land. The limits attach to public trees. In cities with a community forestry program, such as Gladstone, the city holds authority over trees in street rights-of-way and public grounds, and residents cannot top or remove them without approval. Overhanging branches from a neighbor's tree may be trimmed back to your property line, but you cannot cross onto their land or cut the trunk. Utility-line clearance is coordinated between the utility and the city.
Violations & Fines
Topping or damaging a public street or park tree violates the city forestry ordinance and is prosecuted in municipal court. Harming a neighbor's tree exposes you to treble-damage liability under RSMo 537.340.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to trim my own tree?
Can I cut my neighbor's branches that hang over my yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clay County
Compare Clay County to another location·View the Missouri landscaping rules overview
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