Street Tree Trimming

Project T.R.I.M. is the citywide street tree maintenance program managed by the Parks and Recreation Forestry team.

Each year different neighborhoods, as depicted in the interactive map below, are surveyed through Project T.R.I.M. to ensure trees overhanging the public right-of-way are being properly maintained for clearance. If inspectors determine trimming is needed, the property owner will be notified via a letter in the mail. This letter includes information to help identify branch compliance.

When will Project T.R.I.M. come to my neighborhood?

Please refer to the map and schedule below to see when we will be in your neighborhood. Hover over the list "toggle legend" icon directly underneath the search bar to easily filter the map by season, schedule, and clearance requirement.

Why do we T.R.I.M.?

Proper maintenance of trees located in the public right-of-way, also called the parking strip or boulevard, is important for public safety. Trees overhanging the right-of-way have potential to damage property and injure pedestrians. Proper maintenance reduces this risk.

The abutting property owner is responsible for maintenance. Private trees and shrubs that grow into the public right-of-way are also subject to clearance requirements.

What to Expect When You Need to Trim

There are a few things you should know if you are contacted by the Parks and Recreation Forestry Team during your district's evaluation period. The City requires the following height clearances for trees and shrubs to be compliant with the current code:

  • 10' clearance over sidewalks
  • 12’ clearance over residential streets
  • 16’ clearance over arterial streets (Ex. 41st Street)
  • 16’ clearance over collector streets (Ex. Western Avenue)
  • Shrubs pruned to sidewalk edge
  • Street signs, streetlights, and lighting are completely visible

The above video discusses methods for trimming your trees to compliance. The video also goes over how to discard your trimmed tree waste, including how to take branches to the city landfill.