Springfield, MO Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Sidewalk clearance
- 9 feet minimum
- Street clearance
- 12 feet minimum
- Enforced by
- Director of public works
- Repeat fine
- $250–$500 per abatement
Summary
Springfield, Missouri bars property owners from letting trees overhang public streets or sidewalks below a set clearance, and the city can abate and bill the owner if they don't trim.
It shall be unlawful for the owner of any private property to allow any tree thereon to overhang or intrude upon any public street, alley, boulevard, public way or sidewalk to such an extent that the tree unreasonably interferes with the traveling public. Any such tree shall be deemed to so interfere if the branches thereof extend into the public way at a height of less than nine feet above the surface of any sidewalk or 12 feet above the surface of any street.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23 Update 2 | Land Development Code: Supplement 9 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Under City Code § 114-31, a Springfield property owner may not let a tree overhang or intrude into a public street, alley, boulevard or sidewalk to the point it unreasonably interferes with travel; branches lower than nine feet above a sidewalk or 12 feet above a street count as interference. A tree that blocks visibility of a traffic sign or signal also violates the section. Separately, § 114-54 requires the city to keep its own street trees trimmed to 9-, 12- or 14-foot clearances depending on the roadway. A violation is a declared nuisance the director of public works can abate and bill to the owner.
Violations & Fines
A tree that keeps interfering after notice becomes a nuisance case: the city can trim or remove it, certify the cost as a special tax bill, and add a $250–$500 fine for repeat violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much clearance must a tree keep over a Springfield sidewalk?
What happens if I don't trim an overhanging tree in Springfield?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Springfield
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