Trees and Tree Trimming

Sugar Land residents and business owners are required by city ordinance to trim their trees if public rights of way are affected. Properly pruned trees ensure large vehicles such as fire trucks, ambulances and garbage trucks can safely navigate city streets with a clear view of traffic safety devices.

The Public Works Department will inspect trees every three years for compliance to the Tree Trimming Ordinance. (City of Sugar Land Code of Ordinances Part II, Chapter 3, Article 9, Div. 5 Vegetation, Sec. 3-164., Trees and objects in the visibility triangle or right of way.)

Tree Health

Trees are valuable assets to your property value and the environment. Pruning is an essential part of ensuring a healthy life for the tree.

For tree care information, tips, and for information on local arborists, visit Trees Are Good.

TreeCanopy
  1. Does the city own all the trees in Sugar Land?
  2. Who is responsible for the maintenance of the trees?
  3. How often are trees pruned?
  4. What if a tree branch or tree falls down in the roadway?
  5. Can I remove a tree in my yard?
  6. Why are trees being removed along certain roadways?
More FAQs

Sugar Land: Tree City U.S.A.

The City of Sugar Land has a broad diversity in its urban forestry makeup. This can be witnessed along various thoroughfares, open spaces, and all the way to the natural banks of our river and streams as seen in Brazos River Park.

The city has recently seen a substantial growth in its overall tree canopy with the annexation of Greatwood and New Territory, as well as preservation efforts at Duhacsek and Cullinan Parks.

How does the city maintain a healthy urban forest?

It’s all-hands-on-deck when it comes to maintaining Sugar Land’s urban forest. Guidance from city management and coordination of the city’s various departments is key. Departments such as Public Works, Engineering, and Parks will coordinate efforts in order to ensure trees are protected during CIP projects, perform preventive trimming and pest management, hazard mitigation, reforestation, and other standard arboricultural practices. 

In addition, tools like the Development Code and Code of Ordinances provide guidelines for tree preservation, protection, mitigation, and right-of-way trimming for the management of trees on private property.



The City has been awarded the Tree City USA designation since 2011. In addition to the community forestry aspect, other requirements for this prestigious award are fulfilled with the City’s annual recognition of Arbor Day, the input from the PARCS Board, and public outreach on tree education.