Portland, ME Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Sidewalk clearance
- 10 feet minimum overhang height
- Street clearance
- 12 feet minimum overhang height
- Truck thoroughfare clearance
- 16 feet minimum overhang height
- Notice-to-comply window
- 10 days after written notice (§ 29-20(b))
- Non-compliance remedy
- City prunes/removes, bills the owner (§ 29-20(d))
Summary
Portland requires owners of property bordering a street to prune overhanging trees to a minimum clearance of 10 feet over sidewalks and 12 feet over streets, 16 feet over truck thoroughfares, and bars any tree from blocking street lights, sidewalks, traffic signs or intersection sightlines.
It shall be the duty of any person owning or occupying real property upon which there may be trees or plants bordering on any street, to prune such trees or plants in such manner that they will not obstruct or shade the street lights, obstruct the passage of pedestrians or sidewalks, obstruct vision of traffic signs, obstruct the view of any street or alley intersection, or will not create any other hazard to the public. The minimum clearance of any overhanging portion thereof shall be ten (10) feet over sidewalks and twelve (12) feet over all streets except truck thoroughfares which shall have a clearance of sixteen (16) feet.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Section 29-20(a) of the Portland Code of Ordinances, in Chapter 29's Article II governing trees in public places, places the pruning duty directly on the abutting property owner or occupant: "It shall be the duty of any person owning or occupying real property upon which there may be trees or plants bordering on any street, to prune such trees or plants in such manner that they will not obstruct or shade the street lights, obstruct the passage of pedestrians or sidewalks, obstruct vision of traffic signs, obstruct the view of any street or alley intersection, or will not create any other hazard to the public.
" If an owner fails to prune as required, § 29-20(b) has the city arborist order pruning or removal within 10 days of a written notice, served by certified mail to the owner's last known address under § 29-20(c).
Violations & Fines
Under § 29-20(d), if the owner fails to comply with the arborist's order within the specified time, "it shall be lawful for the city to prune or remove such trees and all costs thereof shall be charged to the owner thereof." Article II sets no separate fine for this section, so a continuing obstruction also falls under the Code's general penalty at § 1-15: $100 to $500 per offense, with each day of the violation a separate offense, enforceable by the corporation counsel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high must I trim my tree over a Portland sidewalk?
What happens if I don't trim my street tree after getting a notice?
Who is responsible for pruning trees that overhang a Portland street?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Portland
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