Tulsa, OK Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Sidewalk clearance
- 8 feet minimum
- Street clearance
- 9 feet minimum
- Topping
- Prohibited on public trees
- Owner duty
- Prune right-of-way trees you abut
- Max fine
- $1,000/day, Title 35 § 700
Summary
Tulsa requires 8 feet of limb clearance over sidewalks and 9 feet over streets, and bans topping street and park trees outright.
No tree shall have limbs which project over a public sidewalk or street which are less than eight (8) feet above the surface of the public sidewalk and nine (9) feet above the surface of the street... It shall be unlawful as a normal practice for any person or for any City department to top any street tree, park tree or other tree on public property.
Full Breakdown
Under Title 35, § 606 of the Tulsa Revised Ordinances, no tree may have limbs projecting over a public sidewalk lower than 8 feet, or over a street lower than 9 feet. Abutting property owners must maintain trees, plants and shrubs in the right-of-way tree lawn and remove any dead or unsafe tree. Owners must also prune overhanging branches so they don't block streetlight or sightlines at intersections. Topping, cutting limbs back to stubs over 3 inches in diameter, is unlawful on any street tree, park tree, or other tree on public property, except when storm damage or utility conflicts make other pruning impractical. The City may, but isn't required to, prune or remove trees in the right-of-way itself.
Violations & Fines
Interfering with City crews doing authorized tree work is a misdemeanor under Title 35, § 606.L; general Title 35 violations carry fines up to $1,000 per day under § 700.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high must tree limbs be over a Tulsa sidewalk?
Can I top a street tree in Tulsa?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tulsa
Compare Tulsa to another location·View the Oklahoma landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.