South Bend, IN Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Sec. 19-18 requires all trees and shrubs overhanging a City street, whether they sit in the public tree and lawn area or on an abutting private lot, to be trimmed either by the Board of Park Commissioners directly or by the abutting owner acting on the Board's order. The trimming must happen within the period stated in the Board's written notice, and that period can never be shorter than ten days. The trim itself has a specific standard: overhanging branches must be cut back so there is a clear space of ten feet above the curb surface, and the trimming must be done in a way that does not obstruct the view of any streetlight, traffic sign, signal device or street intersection.

This sits alongside the Sec. 19-17 planting standards for the same tree and lawn areas, which require the lowest limbs of newly planted trees to start at least ten feet above the curb and sidewalk in the first place, so the ten-foot clearance is the baseline the City maintains over the life of the tree. Notice for a trim order is served the same way as other Article 1 notices under Sec. 19-21: personally or by leaving a copy at the owner's residence if they live in the City, by registered mail if they live elsewhere, or by newspaper publication for two consecutive weeks if the owner cannot be located.

If the owner fails to trim as ordered, the Board can do the work itself under Sec. 19-20 and assess the cost as a lien on the property.