Stark County, OH Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- County rule
- None; municipal duty
- Clearance over street
- 20 feet
- Clearance over sidewalk
- 20 feet
- Canton citation
- Codified Ord. 917.05
- Notice before city acts
- 10 days written
Summary
Stark County sets no countywide trimming rule. In Canton, the abutting owner must keep branches over any street pruned to at least 20 feet, and 20 feet above sidewalks; the city may prune after 10 days' notice and bill you.
Such trees shall be pruned and kept pruned so that the lowest branch shall be at least twenty (20) feet above the pavement level of the part of such alley, street or highway, twenty (20) feet above state routes and twenty (20) feet above the sidewalk so overhung by such branches.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Tree-trimming duties are municipal, not county-level, in Ohio. Canton Codified Ordinance 917.05(a) requires every adjacent property owner to keep trees on their premises, or in the tree lawn, pruned so the lowest branch is at least 20 feet above the pavement and 20 feet above the sidewalk. If an owner neglects this, Section 917.05(b) lets the city prune after ten days' written notice and recover all costs. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry offers pruning guidance and runs the Tree Commission Academy that trains Canton's Tree Commission.
Violations & Fines
After 10 days' written notice, Canton may prune and certify unpaid costs to the county auditor as a property-tax lien; chapter penalty up to $150 per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who trims branches over the sidewalk in Canton?
Can the city prune my tree for me?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Stark County
Compare Stark County to another location·View the Ohio landscaping rules overview
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