Georgetown, KY Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

Article II of Chapter 42 builds street tree planting around three size classes: small, medium and large. Under section 42-25 the city tree board formulates an official street tree species list broken down into those categories, and no species other than those on the list can be planted as street trees without written permission of the city tree board. Section 42-19 defines street trees as trees, shrubs, bushes and all other woody vegetation on land lying between property lines on either side of all streets, avenues or ways within the city.

Spacing is set by section 42-26. No trees may be planted closer together than 30 feet for small trees, 40 feet for medium trees and 50 feet for large trees. The one exception is special plantings designed by a landscape architect and approved by the city tree board. Section 42-27 sets the minimum distance from curbs or curblines and sidewalks at two feet for small trees, three feet for medium trees and four feet for large trees, and adds that only small trees can be planted within 15 feet of power lines. Section 42-28 keeps trees clear of intersections and hydrants: no street tree closer than 20 feet of any street corner, measured from the point of nearest intersecting curbs or curblines, and none closer than ten feet of any fireplug.

Planting also needs a city permit. Section 42-30 bars any person from planting or transplanting a public tree except as authorized by permit issued by the city, and section 42-29 allows adjacent property owners to plant or maintain street trees if a permit is obtained and the selection and location of the trees follow sections 42-25 through 42-32. The permit is free under section 42-32. The application under section 42-33(b) must file plans and specifications showing the location, size and species of any trees to be planted, along with existing or planned buildings, street lights, traffic signals or signs, pavement, sidewalk, curb cut or public utilities. Section 42-34 requires the city to approve or disapprove within 15 business days, with written reasons if the application is rejected, and treats an application with no action within 15 days as approved. Under section 42-39(b), all public tree planting or maintenance must be performed by persons or businesses employing a certified arborist and/or following current National Arborist Association, International Society of Arboriculture and American Nurserymen's Association standards.