Tempe, AZ Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Sidewalk Clearance
- 8 feet minimum
- Street Clearance
- 14 feet minimum
- Responsibility
- Property owner for private trees
- Public Trees
- Maintained by Parks department
Summary
Tempe requires property owners to trim trees that overhang public rights-of-way to maintain clearance for pedestrians and vehicles. Trees on private property must be maintained to prevent hazards. City-owned trees are maintained by the Parks department.
This chapter does not prevent the destruction of protected native plants or clearing of land or cleaning or removing protected native plants by the owner of the land or the owner's agent if:
1. The land is in private ownership.
2. The protected native plants are not transported from the land or offered for sale.
3. The owner or the owner's agent notifies the department pursuant to this section of the intended destruction at least:
(a) Twenty days before the plants are destroyed over an area of less than one acre.
(b) Thirty days before the plants are destroyed over an area of one acre or more but less than forty acres.
(c) Sixty days before the plants are destroyed over an area of forty acres or more.
4.
Full Breakdown
Property owners in Tempe are responsible for trimming trees on their property that overhang public sidewalks (minimum 8 feet clearance) and streets (minimum 14 feet clearance). Dead or hazardous trees must be addressed promptly. The city's Parks and Recreation department maintains trees on public property and in parks. Removing trees in the public right-of-way requires city approval.
Violations & Fines
Property owners who fail to maintain required clearances may receive notices from code enforcement. The city may trim overhanging branches at the owner's expense if not corrected within the compliance period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I responsible for trimming trees over the sidewalk?
Can I trim a city tree near my house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tempe
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Tree Trimming in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Maricopa County handle tree trimming.