Safety and Tree/Shrub Trimming

Now is a perfect time for homeowners to check the trees and shrubs along their property and make sure they do not impede pedestrian safety or driver visibility. 

• Be sure to check that no tree or bush limbs hang down or stick out and cause a safety hazard
• Trim limbs and make sure they hang no lower than 8-feet above the sidewalk
• Trim limbs 2 feet back from the sidewalk edge to allow free and safe movement
• Trim limbs to hang no lower than 14 feet over the surface of the street
• Trim corner limbs that obstruct views of the street, sidewalk, and street signs

​PCVA Community Guidelines
3.2.1 LANDSCAPING
Homeowners are responsible for the maintenance of landscape, irrigation, erosion control, and sidewalks within the easements on their property and in the street right-of-way from the back of the curb to their property line. Landscape maintenance includes weed removal, tree trimming to include parkway trees, replenishment of dead vegetation, and erosion control.
Specific landscape maintenance guidance:
• Trees, including in parkway:

• Trim dead branches
• Remove dead trees and stumps (requires a Design Review Request)
• Trim branches no lower than 8 feet (8’) over the sidewalk, and 14 feet (14’) over the street; branches may not impede the sidewalk
• Trim “suckers” (i.e., tree shoots) around the base of trees

Per Colorado Springs City Code 4.4.104:  DUTY TO PRUNE, The owner of any house, building or property within the City shall not permit the branches of any shade, ornamental or other tree to project over any street, avenue or sidewalk, in front of or alongside of the house, building or property, lower than eight feet (8') from the surface of the sidewalk and fourteen feet (14') over the surface of the alley or street. (Ord. 4716; 1968 Code §10-33.6; Ord. 77-190; Ord. 01-42)
See the City Code: 
https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/coloradospringsco/latest/coloradosprings_co/0-0-0-5922