Impacts on the Town Tree Canopy

All trees and shrubs located on or growing in the public right-of-way are the property of the Town. A Tree Impact Permit must be obtained by residents and/or contractors prior to performing any activity that would place an impact on the public right-of-way regarding trees and shrubs.  

 These activities include:

  • Planting of a tree or shrub in the public right-of-way
  • Trimming branches larger than one inch in diameter on a tree rooted in the public right-of-way
  • Removing a tree or shrub located on or growing in the public right-of-way (including dead trees)
  • Excavating or digging inside the drip line of a tree or shrub located on or growing in the public right-of-way
up a tree view

Planting a Tree or Shrub on Town-Owned Property

Tree Impact Permit must be submitted and approved before a tree or shrub can be planted on Town-owned property. Any tree or shrub planted in the public right-of-way is subject to removal by the Town at any time unless a permit for such planting has been obtained. All permit applications will be reviewed by Town staff to avoid any potential conflicts with existing utilities, pedestrian accessibility and vehicular traffic zones. The Town issues approval if/when the proposed planting is suitable as to species and location. Once planted in the public right-of-way, a tree or shrub becomes the property of the Town.

Learn more about Planting Tree(s) & Shrubs on Town Property.

Trimming  or Removing a Tree or Shrub on Town Property (including Dead Trees)

Any tree or shrub located on or growing in the public right-of-way cannot be pruned or removed without written permission. A Tree Impact Permit must be obtained before the tree or shrub can be pruned or removed. The pruning practice of topping is prohibited on any tree located on or growing in the public right-of-way.

Excavating or Digging inside the Drip Line of a Town-Owned Tree

To protect the roots and health of Town-owned trees, a trench, or any other hole deeper than one inch cannot be dug in the public right-of-way within an area closer than one foot of the outer dripline of any tree. A Tree Impact Permit must be obtained prior to the beginning of any work, unless otherwise specifically provided in a franchise agreement.

For further assistance regarding the Tree Impact Permit, please contact Tyler Bain 309-454-9568 or Email Tyler.