Columbus residents warned: Pruning city trees can lead to hefty fines
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — As the weather warms up, many central Ohioans turn their attention to yard work, including pruning trees, however for the people of Columbus, knowing if the tree is city property is essential before any alterations are made.
A recent post on the social media site, Nextdoor, warned neighbors about the repercussions of clipping city trees.
'Just a reminder to everyone,' the poster wrote. 'The trees that are located in the area between the sidewalk and the street are considered city property in The City of Columbus. Be careful, my neighbor got fined $1,200 for taking … even dead limbs off a tree. If you want them trimmed, call the city.'
Street trees, which are usually planted along roads in the space between the sidewalk and the street, known as the tree lawn, belong to the city, according to the Columbus Recreation and Parks website. The Recreation and Parks Department's Forestry section manages these trees, including planting, pruning, and removal. The site states that its team is on call 24/7 to handle tree-related emergencies.
For those wondering about general tree maintenance, the city has clear guidelines in place, requests for service, such as pruning or tree removal, can be submitted through the City 311 Service Center at 614-645-3111 or online at 311.columbus.gov. People can also ask for a new tree to be planted through this service. Since these requests are prioritized based on public safety and available resources, residents should plan ahead when seeking tree maintenance.
If homeowners prefer to pay out of pocket for trimming, treatment, or removal of a city-owned tree, the work must be done by a certified arborist with a permit from the Forestry section. Permits are free and are supplied after a city arborist makes an inspection.
Figuring out whether a tree belongs to the city or a homeowner is key before any changes are made. To be sure, residents can check the Columbus public tree inventory map. This interactive online tool provides information about tree species, size, and location, helping homeowners understand whether a tree falls under city management. This knowledge can prevent accidental violations and ensure trees receive the proper care.
In December 2023, NBC4 reported on increased fines for cutting down city trees. The newest tree code increased the penalty for cutting down public trees, from $200 per diameter inch to $260 per inch. In March of the same year, Dunkin' Donuts in Clintonville received an $8,000 fine for cutting down trees.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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