Richland, WA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Adjacent property owners must prune trees on the public right-of-way next to their land according to ANSI A300 standards, control pests on them, and water them enough to keep them healthy, per RMC § 22.14.080(A)(2). The clearance duty specifically requires branches overhanging a sidewalk or street to be cut back for enough vertical clearance that they do not interfere with public travel, unless the municipal arborist sets a different standard. The same clearance rule applies to private trees whose overhanging branches are declared a public nuisance under RMC § 22.14.130(B).

Cutting larger limbs, over one inch in diameter on smaller Class I trees or over two inches on Class II and larger trees, counts as 'maintenance' requiring a no-fee permit from the municipal arborist under RMC § 22.14.090; lighter routine care does not. If an owner does not correct an obstructing tree after notice, the municipal arborist can abate the nuisance directly and bill the reasonable cost to the property owner under RMC § 22.14.140, with unpaid amounts becoming a lien on the property. Topping, heading, shearing or rounding a public tree is barred unless the municipal arborist approves it first, and any pruning must otherwise follow ANSI A300 practices. Violations of the maintenance duty are enforced the same way as the rest of the tree ordinance, through RMC § 22.14.120.