Springdale, AR Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Tree-trimming rules in Springdale are largely permissive on private trees but mandatory for nuisance conditions. The Springdale Code of Ordinances at https://library.municode.com/ar/springdale, applied through Neighborhood Services and Public Works, authorizes the City to order owners to remove dead or dying trees and dead limbs from private property and adjoining easements and rights-of-way under standard nuisance authority and A.C.A. §14-54-901 et seq. Routine pruning of a healthy, wholly private tree does not require a Springdale permit. Trees within the public right-of-way, street easements, and drainage easements are maintained by Public Works / the Streets Department, which may trim or remove ROW trees as needed for traffic visibility, sidewalk clearance, and storm response. The Streets Department does not perform work on private property. Trees and limbs encroaching on overhead distribution lines in Springdale are line-cleared by Carroll Electric Cooperative, Ozarks Electric Cooperative, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) under easement rights and OSHA / National Electrical Safety Code clearance standards. Arkansas's common-law self-help rule allows a neighbor to trim overhanging branches and intruding roots back to the property line, but cuts that damage or kill the neighbor's tree expose the trimmer to civil liability under Arkansas Code §18-60-102 (timber trespass), which provides treble damages when intent is shown or can be inferred from carelessness or recklessness. Intentional or knowing destruction of a neighbor's tree may also be charged criminally under A.C.A. §5-38-101 et seq. (criminal mischief). The Arkansas Department of Agriculture - Forestry Division Urban & Community Forestry program provides technical assistance for arborist work.