Tuscaloosa, AL Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

For trees growing on private property, the City of Tuscaloosa's Code of Ordinances does not impose a general trimming or pruning permit, so routine trimming of your own trees is unregulated by the city. The code's tree-cutting controls focus on the public right-of-way. Under Sec. 21-283, a utility or facilities provider must comply with the city's tree regulations and, except in emergencies or for routine trimming, may not remove, cut, or damage any tree in the rights-of-way greater than four (4) inches in diameter (measured twelve inches above the ground) without the prior consent of the city forester or a designee. After 14 days' notice from the city engineer, or immediately in an emergency, a provider must help remove a tree or branch that has fallen on its aerial facilities. Separately, damaging or injuring trees and vegetation in city parks (Sec. 18-24) and in cemeteries (Sec. 8-3) is prohibited. The zoning landscape standards (Sec. 25-131) require that landscaping installed on developed commercial sites be kept healthy and free of injury or improper pruning, but single-family and duplex lots are exempted from those standards under Sec. 25-129. Where a city street tree or a tree in the right-of-way is involved, contact the city forester before trimming.