Simpsonville, SC Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Hazard limbs
- Nuisance under Sec. 18-37(a)(8)
- Sight lines
- Clear at intersections/hydrants
- Notice period
- Ten days to cut back
- Pruning standard
- ANSI A300 (zoning trees)
- City remedy
- Cuts it, bills the owner
Summary
Simpsonville can require owners to trim trees in two situations: damaged or diseased tree limbs that threaten public injury from structural failure, and trees, hedges, or shrubs near street intersections that block a driver's clear view. Owners get written notice to cut back.
It shall be unlawful for owners, tenants or occupants of property contiguous or adjacent to intersections of streets to permit or maintain on such property or lot any trees, bushes, shrubbery or other plant or any sign or structure which obstructs the view of the operators of motor vehicles or which creates a dangerous or hazardous condition.
(2) Notification of owners to cut or remove. The owners, tenants or occupants of such property shall, within ten days after receiving written notice from the city administrator or other duly authorized agent of the city remove such trees, bushes, shrubbery or other plant or sign or structure of any type, so that the vision of persons operating motor vehicles entering intersections of streets will not be obscured or obstructed thereby, and so that the approach of other vehicles may be readily observed in accordance with City Zoning Code Section 10:9.
(3) Failure of owner to comply with notice; removal by city; report and collection of cost. Upon the failure of the owner, tenant or occupant to comply with the notice of the city administrator or other duly authorized agent of the city within ten days, or when such property is vacant and the owner thereof cannot be found in the city shall cause such weed, hedges, shrubs or other vegetation to be cut or removed so that motor vehicles entering such intersections, and will not prevent the ready observation of
Full Breakdown
Under Code of Ordinances Section 18-37(a)(8), damaged or diseased tree limbs, or whole trees, that could injure the public through imminent structural failure are a declared nuisance. Section 18-37(c)(1)-(2) also lists trees, hedges, or signs on private property that block a driver's view of an intersection, a fire hydrant, or a fire-department connection. Section 18-45(j) requires owners of property next to intersections to remove obstructing trees, bushes, or shrubbery within ten days of written notice so vehicle sightlines stay clear. On the zoning side, required landscape trees may only be pruned per ANSI A300 tree-care standards; aggressive or improper pruning is a violation.
Violations & Fines
Failing to cut or remove obstructing vegetation after notice is a misdemeanor under Sec. 18-45(j)(4); the city may cut it and add the cost to the property's taxes. Nuisance limbs fall under the Sec.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Simpsonville make me trim a tree blocking an intersection?
What about a dead limb over the sidewalk?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Simpsonville
Compare Simpsonville to another location·View the South Carolina landscaping rules overview
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