Tree Trimming Laws in Aurora, IL – What Homeowners Should Know

Maintaining your trees isn't just good landscaping practice—in Aurora, IL, it's also a legal responsibility.

Understanding City Trees vs. Private Trees

The City of Aurora’s Forestry Division manages approximately 35,000 city street trees. City-owned trees are typically planted in the public right-of-way, usually within five feet of sidewalks or in planting strips between the sidewalk and street. These trees are maintained for free by the City.

To find out if you have a city tree, you can check the city’s tree inventory on the Property Information web page. Private trees, on the other hand, are located entirely on private property and are the responsibility of the homeowner.

Overhanging Branches

If a branch crosses onto your neighbor's property, they have the legal right to trim it—but only up to the property line. Communication with neighbors before trimming any shared trees is highly recommended to avoid disputes.

Tree Removal Permits

Aurora requires permits for removing trees over a certain size, especially in public easements or historic districts. It is illegal to remove a city-owned tree yourself. If you believe a city tree needs to be removed, contact the City for an inspection.

Pruning City Trees

Residents are allowed to perform limited maintenance on city trees, but it is illegal to damage, kill, or remove a city-owned tree. Pruning is allowed only for branches under 4 inches in diameter and below 15 feet in height. Additionally, residents cannot use chainsaws on city trees without permission. If larger work is needed, residents must hire a licensed arborist and obtain a permit from the Forestry Division.

Sidewalk Clearance

Property owners are responsible for keeping sidewalks and roads clear of low-hanging branches from private trees. For city trees, the Forestry Division handles clearance work as part of their maintenance schedule.

Power Line Safety

Never attempt to trim trees near power lines yourself. Call your utility provider or a licensed arborist trained to handle this hazardous work.

Private Tree Removal

Homeowners can generally remove private trees from their property without a permit. However, some properties have Homeowners Association (HOA) rules or city site plans that require approval or tree replacement.

When in doubt, consult the City of Aurora's municipal code or contact a local tree service professional to ensure you're compliant and safe.