Peoria, AZ Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Section 7-55 of the Peoria City Code puts a permit in front of nearly every kind of tree work in the public right-of-way: no one may plant, remove, cut above the ground, or otherwise disturb a tree in a City-maintained right-of-way, park, or other public place without first getting the City Arborist's written permission, and the work then has to follow the standards set out in the rest of Chapter 7. The same section singles out utility clearance trimming: a company maintaining overhead wires or conduit along a City street or alley that wants trees interfering with those lines cut, trimmed, or pruned must also be granted written permission before doing the work.

Two neighboring sections tighten how that trimming can be done. Section 7-56 makes it unlawful, as a normal practice, for any person, firm, or City department to top a Street Tree, Park Tree, or other public tree, though the City Arborist can exempt trees storm-damaged or growing under utility lines where other pruning methods aren't practical. Section 7-57 requires that stumps of Street and Park Trees be cut below the surface of the ground so nothing projects above grade. Section 7-58 separately makes it unlawful to prevent, delay, or interfere with the City, the Arborist, or their agents while they're planting, cultivating, mulching, pruning, spraying, or removing Street or Park Trees, so obstructing a City trimming crew is its own violation on top of any permit issue.