Provo, UT Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Provo regulates trees in the public right-of-way under Chapter 9.20 (Urban Forestry) of the Provo City Code, implemented through the City's Arboricultural Standards and Specifications published by the Forestry Division. Section 9.20.050 (Consent Required) makes it unlawful to fill, plant, remove, move, spray, trim, prune, cut above or below ground, disturb, or alter any tree or shrub on city parking strips, parks, or any public property without first obtaining the City Forester's written consent (line-clearance trimming by the Energy Department, coordinated with the City Forester, is exempted). A homeowner who wishes to prune, spray, cut roots, or remove a street tree must obtain that written consent first, and any private contractor hired to work on a city street tree must follow the same arboricultural practices as city crews. The Arboricultural Standards require hanging limbs and branch growth to be maintained at least 13 feet above streets and 8 feet above sidewalks, and all work must follow ANSI A300 (Tree Care Operations) and ANSI Z133.1 (safety) standards, with an ISA Certified Arborist present for work on any city-owned tree. The City's separate Clear Vision Area rule (Provo City Code 14.34.100) bars plant material with a mature height over 36 inches within the 25-foot sight triangle at street corners. Trees on private property are governed by the landscaping-maintenance rules of Section 15.20.070, which require canopy over a public sidewalk to clear at least seven feet.