Frequently Asked Questions

For questions related to Parks, click here.

Frequently asked questions related to Municipal Setting Designations coming soon.

Q: What does “Parkway Tree” mean?

A: A “parkway tree” is a tree found between the sidewalk and street curb.

Q: Who do parkway trees belong to?

A: Section 48-11 states “Every person owning, occupying, or in control of property shall, at the person’s own expense, remove any dead, diseased, or damaged tree from the parkway abutting the property owned, occupied, or controlled by the person.”

Q: Who is responsible for pruning a street or parkway tree?

A: The adjacent property owner is responsible for maintaining parkway trees. City Code Section 18-14 states: The occupant or owner is responsible for keeping the street, alley, sidewalk and public grounds clear of obstructions. This includes the trimming of trees, shrubbery and vines which may obstruct any vehicle traveling through an alley, or which may obstruct a sidewalk or street or other public grounds. Additionally, sidewalks must have a height clearance of 8 feet – streets and alleys must have 15 feet of overhead clearance. Take advantage of the City’s Bulky Trash Program by trimming trees and shrubbery to coincide with your legal Bulky Trash Week. More information is available through the Code Compliance Department.

Section 48-11 of the City of Dallas Municipal Code specifies the following:

• Every person owning, occupying, or in control of property shall, at the person’s own expense, remove any dead, diseased, or damaged tree from the parkway abutting the property owned, occupied, or controlled by the person.
• For purposes of this section, parkway means the area along a public street between the curb and the sidewalk.

City of Dallas Municipal Code, Chapter 27, Article III, Section 27-11 states that an owner shall,...(5) remove dead trees and tree limbs that are reasonably capable of injury to a person.

Ownership is determined by where the trunk of the tree originates at the ground. Even if the branches are overhanging an adjacent property owner, the origination point determines ownership. An adjacent property owner may prune limbs overhanging his property; however he should consult and reach an agreement with the tree owner prior to work starting.

Q: Who is responsible for trees in the medians?

A: The Street Services Department maintains vegetation within the medians.

Q: Who is responsible for trees in an alley?

A: The adjacent property owner is responsible.

Q: Who are the City of Dallas Citizen Foresters?

A: They are a group of volunteers who champion, educate, and further the dreams of all Dallas citizens to create and maintain a healthy urban forest. There is a new Citizen Forester class every fall. For more information, contact the City Forester.