Toledo, OH Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Chapter 917, Trees, governs work on trees along Toledo's streets and public ways. 08 targets clearance and safety problems: any tree or shrub on private property that overhangs or interferes with the public's use of a street or way, or that the Commissioner of Parks, Forestry and Open Space Planning judges dangerous to public life, health, safety, comfort or property because of its limbs, roots, trunk condition or disease, is declared a public nuisance. The Commissioner notifies the owner in writing; if the owner does not live in the City, notice instead runs by publication in a daily newspaper of general circulation.

The owner then has the time stated in the notice to remove the tree or shrub or correct the condition. 08 authorizes the Commissioner to have the necessary work done directly, and the cost is assessed against the property. 01 requires anyone doing trimming, cutting, spraying, bracing, root work, or other tree work along a City street, alley, park, or public ground to first obtain a written permit from the Commissioner, issued only when the proposed work meets the Commissioner's standards; unpermitted trimming of street trees is itself a violation independent of any nuisance notice. 08 forces action when an owner's tree has already become an obstruction or hazard.