St. Louis property owners are responsible for trimming trees on their property that overhang public sidewalks (minimum 8 feet clearance) and streets (14 feet).
Under City Code, property owners must keep private trees trimmed so that branches over sidewalks maintain 8 feet of vertical clearance and branches over streets maintain 14 feet. Dead limbs threatening public ways must be removed. Street trees (in the tree lawn between sidewalk and curb) are City-owned assets managed by the Forestry Division even though owners maintain the ground around them. Homeowners must apply for a free Street Tree Permit before any pruning, planting, or removal of a street tree. Unauthorized removal or improper topping of a street tree can result in fines plus assessed tree replacement value (often $500-$5,000 depending on species and size). The City also runs a free Street Tree Planting Program where residents can request a new tree at no cost.
Overhanging branches: notice to trim, then City trim at owner expense. Unauthorized street tree work: $100-$500 plus replacement cost.
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