Topeka, KS Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Duty holder
- Owner abutting street/alley
- Trigger
- City Forester determination
- Non-compliance
- City abates, bills owner
- Covers
- Trees, bushes, weeds
Summary
Topeka property owners abutting a street or alley must remove trees, bushes, and weeds growing in the street or alley itself whenever the City Forester determines the vegetation impedes travel.
It shall be the duty of a private property owner abutting a street or alley to remove vegetation, including trees, bushes, and weeds located in the street or alley where such vegetation impedes travel, as determined by the City Forester.
(b) It shall be the duty of a private property owner to treat or remove vegetation including trees, tree materials, or shrubs located upon the owner’s property where the City Forester determines that such vegetation is infected or infested with plant disease, insect pest or larvae, the uncontrolled presence of which may result in damage or destruction of other trees or shrubs in the community.
(c) Upon determination by the City Forester that a private property owner has failed to comply with subsection (a) or (b) of this section, the City Forester may take whatever actions are reasonably necessary to remove or treat the vegetation and assess the costs against the property owner pursuant to Chapter 3.45 TMC, Article III. (Ord. 19699 § 9, 2-7-12.)
Full Breakdown
TMC 12.65.080(a), in the Forestry chapter's private-property article, puts the duty on owners abutting a street or alley to remove vegetation, including trees, bushes and weeds, growing in the street or alley itself where it impedes travel, as determined by the City Forester. If an owner ignores the City Forester's written notice to abate under TMC 12.65.090, the City can abate the hazard itself and assess the cost against the property under TMC 12.65.120 and TMC 3.45 TMC, Article III.
Violations & Fines
Failure to abate after the City Forester's written notice to abate lets the City remove the vegetation itself and bill the owner for the cost under TMC 12.65.120 and TMC 12.65.130, on top of prosecution under TMC 1.10.070.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who decides if a tree blocks a Topeka street?
What if I don't trim vegetation the City Forester flags?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Topeka
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