Peoria, IL Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Peoria's tree-trimming rules are administered by the Public Works Department and the City Forester. The general framework: parkway trees (those between the curb and sidewalk in the public right-of-way) are city-managed, and residents cannot prune or remove them without authorization from the City Forester (contact through Public Works at 309-494-8800). Private trees on owner property are owner-maintained, but where branches overhang the public right-of-way, owners must maintain minimum clearances — typically 8 feet over sidewalks and 14 feet over streets — under Chapter 22 (Streets and Sidewalks) of the Peoria Code of Ordinances at https://library.municode.com/il/peoria. Utility tree-clearance work along power lines is performed by Ameren Illinois (the regional electric utility serving Peoria), generally without homeowner cost, under utility easement authority. Property owners should call Ameren at 1-800-755-5000 for tree-near-line concerns and JULIE (Illinois One-Call, 811) before any digging that could affect underground utilities supporting trees. The Illinois Forestry Development Act and the Illinois Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Act provide state-level support but do not preempt local trimming rules.