Keep It 14 Feet High: Let Us Through
When every second counts, low-hanging branches can slow emergency vehicles on their way to a call. Limbs that hang too low also damage expensive city and school district vehicles. Do your part by trimming limbs so they stay clear of street name signs, traffic signals and signs, and other public safety equipment.
Tree Trimming Requirements
Trees, shrubs, vines and other plants must be trimmed to leave at least 14 feet of clearance above the ground. That clearance lets fire engines, ambulances, school buses, garbage trucks, mail carriers and other service vehicles pass safely.
Keeping brush and limbs at that 14-foot height keeps streets and alleys open and free of obstructions.
Pruning Tips
Homeowners can usually handle lower branches on their own. For large limbs or any branch you cannot reach safely, hire a professional arborist.
- Work with the right tools, and keep them sharp and clean.
- Cut back any branches that get in the way of streets, sidewalks or regular upkeep such as mowing.
- Aim for a clear trunk with no branches for roughly the first 10 to 15 feet. Removing competing limbs gives you better control over how the tree grows.
- Take out broken or diseased branches.
- Avoid damaging the branch collar when you cut; it protects the tree from rotting inside.
- In late summer, remove sprouts and suckers growing from the base of the tree.
- Schedule major trimming between Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day.
- Wound dressing generally is not recommended. Oak trees are the exception: paint oak wounds in every season to help prevent oak wilt.
- Cutting major branches in the summer heat can cause sunscald, which opens the way for insects and disease.
Once a month, the city collects brush and tree limbs as large as 10 inches across. Stack brush neatly rather than scattering it, and keep piles at least 2 feet from anything that could get in the way of collection, including mailboxes, fences, fire hydrants, trees, utility poles, sprinkler heads, and gas or water meters. See the brush pickup program page for details.
Report Overhanging Tree Limbs
To report overhanging trees or overgrown plants on private residential property, use the online reporting page or call (555) 010-2786, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If limbs are hanging near power lines, contact the electric utility at (555) 010-4442 and ask for an inspection.
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