Ridgefield, CT Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Town Code § 329-7 lets the Tree Warden determine that a tree or shrub on private property constitutes a public nuisance because it impacts Town property or rights-of-way or poses a direct physical threat to safety. Once that determination is made, the Warden writes the owner or tenant in charge, explaining the liability. Unless the condition is an immediate public hazard, the responsible person has 30 days from the notice to have the nuisance tree or shrub treated or removed as directed, and no damages are owed for trees destroyed under this process.

If the owner or tenant refuses or neglects to comply within the 30-day window, the Tree Warden causes the removal, treatment or trimming of the tree himself, and the expense is charged to the owner. Where the cost covers removing the portion interfering with a public area or public way, that expense becomes a lien on the property once notice is recorded on the Town land records. This section works alongside the general permit rule in § 329-6, which governs Town-owned trees, and the definitions in § 329-3, where PUBLIC NUISANCE covers any tree interfering with Town property use, carrying infectious disease, or endangering life, health, safety or property.