Rights-of-way Tree Trimming Program
Sugar Land City Council approved an ordinance on August 16, 2005 changing the City's tree trimming requirements to address public safety concerns in the City's rights-of-way. The revised ordinance requires residents to trim trees affecting public rights-of-way, helping ensure that traffic safety devices (stop signs, traffic signals, incident management cameras, street name signs, etc.) are visible from roadways. The ordinance also ensures large vehicles - such as fire trucks, ambulances and garbage trucks - are able to safely navigate City streets.
TRIMMING REQUIREMENTS:
There are now two standards that apply to tree trimming requirements. The first pertains to trees along residential streets. The second applies to all other streets.
Residential Streets
Where the tree overhangs a residential street, there must be a clear space under the tree that is 12 feet above the street surface and 8 feet above the sidewalk surface.
Non-Residential Streets
Where the tree overhangs a non-residential street, there must be a clear space under the tree that is 14 feet above the street surface and 8 feet above the sidewalk surface.
COMPLIANCE:
After January 2007, the following enforcement process will be utilized.
1. A letter of non-compliance is given to resident stating that they have 30 days to correct the violation.
2. After 30 days, a cooperative re-inspection occurs between Public Works and Code Enforcement.
3. If non-compliant, the violation is turned over to Code Enforcement for further action, which may include a municipal court citation.
The City of Sugar Land takes pride in our ability to come together as a community and address issues that affect us all, for the greater good of our community. We look forward to working with the citizens to make sure everyone understands the ordinance and its purpose and requirements.
TRIMMING TIPS:
These tips will help residents properly trim trees:
1. Remove the lowest branches that interfere with streets, sidewalks or routine maintenance such as mowing.
2. Try to maintain a trunk without branches for the first 10-15 feet. Trim competing ones for greater control of the tree.
3. Prune any broken or diseased branches.
4. When making your final cut on a branch, cut on the outside edge of the branch collar so that the natural defense chemicals that protect the tree are not removed. (The branch collar grows from the stem tissue around the base of the branch.)
5. Remove any suckers growing at the base of the tree in the late summer.
6. The ideal time to prune is late winter when the trees are dormant. With spring growth following soon after, fresh wounds are exposed for the shortest time.
7. Horizontal branches are structurally stronger than acute angle branches.
8. Sugar Land solid waste disposal requires that limbs to be less than 4 inches in diameter and less than 4 feet in length. It is helpful, but not required, to tie or bundle limbs. Stumps and large limbs that are not cut into firewood size pieces will not be collected. Residents are limited to a maximum of 15 cubic yards per collection arranged in piles 3' x 3' x 3' easily handled by one person.
INFORMATIONAL RESOURCES:
The National Arbor Day Foundation - 9 Things You Should Know About Trees
Texas Agricultural Experiment Station - Benny Simpson's Texas Native Trees
Melody's Gardening in Central Texas - Central Texas Trees
Ken Six Consulting Arborist - TreeTV
Should you have any questions regarding the ordinance please contact the Public Works Department at 281-275-2450.