14 Feet High: Let Us Pass
Low-hanging tree limbs can slow emergency vehicles at moments when every second counts. Branches hanging over the street also damage expensive city and school district vehicles. Do your part by keeping limbs trimmed back from traffic signs and signals, street name signs and other public safety equipment.
Tree Trimming Requirements
Trees, shrubs, vines and other plants need at least 14 feet of clearance above the ground. That height lets fire trucks, ambulances, school buses, garbage trucks, mail carriers and other service vehicles get through safely.
Keeping brush and limbs at 14 feet or higher also keeps streets and alleys free of obstructions.
Tree Pruning Tips
Homeowners can safely trim lower branches on their own. For large limbs, or any you cannot reach safely, hire a professional arborist.
- Work with the right tools, and keep them sharp and clean.
- Cut back branches that get in the way of streets, sidewalks or routine upkeep such as mowing.
- Aim to keep the lowest 10 to 15 feet of the trunk clear of branches, and remove competing limbs so you can better shape the tree.
- Take out broken or diseased branches.
- Avoid damaging the branch collar when you cut; it shields the tree from rot inside the trunk.
- In late summer, clear away sprouts and suckers growing from the base of the tree.
- Save major trimming for the stretch between Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day.
- Wound dressing generally is not recommended. Oaks are the exception: paint oak cuts in every season to help keep oak wilt from spreading.
- Cutting major branches in the summer heat can lead to sunscald, which opens the way for insects and disease.
As a service to residents, the city collects brush and limbs up to 10 inches across once a month. Stack brush neatly instead of scattering it, and leave at least 2 feet of space between each pile and anything that could get in the way of collection, including fences, mailboxes, trees, utility poles, fire hydrants, gas or water meters and sprinkler heads. The brush pickup program page has the details.
Report Overhanging Tree Limbs
You can report overhanging trees or overgrown plants on private residential property online, or by calling (555) 010-2786 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If limbs are growing into power lines, call the electric delivery utility at (555) 010-4442 to set up an inspection.
Fredville is a demonstration city built by Talk to Fred. Names, numbers and details on this page are sample content.