Trees on private property

Property owners are responsible for maintaining trees on their property in accordance with the Louisville Municipal Code. 

The location of the tree—not the branches—determines who is responsible for its care. If a tree is growing on your property, you are responsible for maintaining it, including branches that extend over sidewalks, streets, alleys, and other public rights-of-way. Trees growing in the public right-of-way or on other City property are managed by the City.

Property owners are responsible for:

• Inspecting and pruning trees to maintain their health and structure.
• Removing dead or hazardous trees when required by the City Forester.
• Controlling tree diseases, insect infestations, or trees damaging public infrastructure when required by the City Forester.
• Maintaining branches that extend over public rights-of-way.

Branches over public rights-of-way

Public rights-of-way include sidewalks, streets, alleys, and other public travel areas.

If branches from a tree growing on your property extend into these areas, you are responsible for maintaining at least 8 feet of clearance above sidewalks and 16 feet above streets and alleys.

Trees growing in the public right-of-way or on other City property are managed by the City. Do not prune, spray, remove, or plant these trees without approval from the City Forester.

Branch disposal

Residents can dispose of branches at the City's branch drop-off site north of the Louisville Cemetery on Empire Road. Hours vary by season.