Lexington-Fayette Tree Pruning Rules & Memorial Trees

Parks and Public Spaces Kentucky 3 Minutes Read · published February 09, 2026 Flag of Kentucky

Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky maintains public tree care practices through its urban forestry and parks programs to protect public safety, municipal assets, and historic canopy. This guide summarizes the local pruning schedule, how memorial trees are handled, who enforces the rules, and the practical steps residents must follow to request pruning, report hazardous trees, or propose a memorial planting within public parks or rights-of-way.

Pruning Schedule & Work Priorities

The City schedules pruning and removals based on risk, health, and public-works priorities. Routine pruning cycles, emergency removals, and storm response are managed by the urban forestry division and parks crews; specific calendar dates for neighborhood pruning are determined each season and posted by the division.Visit Urban Forestry[1]

Check the urban forestry page each season for schedule updates.
  • Priority for emergency hazard pruning and storm response.
  • Routine pruning on ash/declining species as resources permit.
  • Planned maintenance cycles vary by neighborhood and street tree inventory.

Memorial Trees

Requests for memorial plantings or dedication of trees in parks are handled by Parks & Recreation; applications, locations, and the program terms are published by the department and may require approval by park staff or an advisory board.Parks & Recreation memorials and donations[3]

Memorial plantings often require an application and staff approval before planting.

Penalties & Enforcement

Tree work in public rights-of-way and on municipal property is regulated; unauthorized pruning or removal of public trees can lead to enforcement actions by city staff. Exact fine amounts and escalation rules are set out in the municipal code or administrative rules; if the cited page does not list specific penalties, this guide notes that the amounts are not specified on the cited page.See Code of Ordinances[2]

Contact the urban forestry division before pruning trees in the public right-of-way.
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence treatments are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to restore or replant, stop-work orders, and court actions may be used; specific remedies depend on the code section cited.
  • Enforcer: Urban Forestry and Parks & Recreation staff enforce tree rules; code enforcement or legal offices may pursue violations.
  • Appeals/review: appeal routes and time limits are governed by municipal code provisions; specific appeal deadlines are not specified on the cited page.
  • Common violations: unauthorized pruning/removal of street trees, damaging root zones during construction, planting prohibited species in rights-of-way.

Applications & Forms

The Parks & Recreation or Urban Forestry division publishes any memorial-tree application, donation agreements, or permitting forms. If no dedicated public form is published, staff instruct applicants on required documentation and fees on a case-by-case basis.Urban Forestry contact and procedures[1]

  • Memorial tree/dedication application: name and fee — not specified on the cited page.
  • Permit for work in public right-of-way: form and submission process — consult Urban Forestry.
  • Fees: not specified on the cited pages; contact department for current charges.

How to Report a Hazard or Request Work

  1. Identify location and safety concern (address, nearest cross street, and photos).
  2. Contact Urban Forestry or Parks & Recreation via the official online report or phone to submit the request.
  3. Provide any requested documentation for memorial tree requests or permits.
  4. Follow up if no response within the published response timeframe or escalate to code enforcement if work was performed without authorization.
Keep photos and dates to support a hazard report or permit application.

FAQ

Can I prune a street tree in front of my property?
No. Residents should not prune public street trees without authorization; contact Urban Forestry to request work or guidance.Urban Forestry[1]
How do I request a memorial tree in a city park?
Submit a memorial or donation request to Parks & Recreation; locations and dedication terms are reviewed by park staff.Parks & Recreation[3]
What penalties apply for unauthorized removal of a public tree?
Penalties and remedies are set in the municipal code; specific fine amounts and escalation procedures are not specified on the cited code page.Code of Ordinances[2]

How-To

  1. Locate the exact address and take clear photos of the tree or damage.
  2. Use the Urban Forestry online contact form or call Parks & Recreation to file a hazard report.
  3. For memorial requests, complete any department-provided application and submit required donation or maintenance agreement.
  4. Await inspection and written decision; follow appeal steps in municipal code if applicable.

Key Takeaways

  • Do not prune or remove public trees without city authorization.
  • Report hazards to Urban Forestry with photos and location details.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Urban Forestry - Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government
  2. [2] Lexington-Fayette Code of Ordinances (municipal code)
  3. [3] Parks & Recreation - Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government

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