Lincoln Tree Pruning Ordinance and Memorial Program

Parks and Public Spaces Nebraska 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 09, 2026 Flag of Nebraska

Lincoln, Nebraska maintains standards for pruning, maintenance, and memorial plantings on public-property trees managed by the Parks and Recreation Department. This guide summarizes the city's pruning schedule, the Memorial Tree Program, enforcement and appeals, and step-by-step actions for property owners, donors, and contractors working near public trees.

Pruning schedule and maintenance

The City of Lincoln Parks & Recreation Forestry Division schedules routine pruning to protect public safety, maintain sightlines, and promote tree health. Routine work follows an annual cycle for high-use areas and a multi-year rotation for residential streets; special pruning may occur for storm response or hazard mitigation. For program details and seasonal schedules see the City Forestry page Lincoln Forestry Division[1].

  • Pruning rotation: multi-year street/tree-cycle (varies by neighborhood).
  • Emergency pruning after storms or hazardous failures.
  • Maintenance priority for park trees and main boulevards.
Contact the Forestry Division before hiring contractors to prune trees on public property.

Memorial Tree Program

Lincoln offers a Memorial Tree Program allowing individuals or groups to dedicate a tree in a city park or public space. The program covers selection, planting, and an optional plaque or recognition; availability depends on park site plans and tree inventories. Official program information and application steps are published by Parks & Recreation Memorial Tree Program[2].

  • Donor application: submit the Memorial Tree request form to Parks & Recreation.
  • Fees: program fees or donation amounts are set by Parks & Recreation and listed on the program page.
  • Scheduling: planting and plaque installation depend on season and park approvals.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of pruning, removal, and damage to trees on city property is managed by the Parks & Recreation Department (Forestry Division) and may involve citations, orders to restore or replace trees, and referral to municipal court. Specific fines, escalation, and statutory sections are not specified on the cited Parks pages and must be confirmed with the City Legal or Code enforcement pages cited below Lincoln Forestry Division[1].

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page; see municipal code or contact the City for exact amounts.
  • Escalation: first and repeat offences and continuing violations are governed by ordinance or court orders; amount ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: restoration orders, required replacement planting, and civil or criminal court actions may be used.
  • Enforcer: Parks & Recreation - Forestry Division handles inspections and initial enforcement; complaints can be submitted via the Forestry contact page Lincoln Forestry Division[1].
  • Appeal/review: appeal routes and time limits are governed by city code or court procedures; time limits are not specified on the cited Parks pages.
  • Defences: authorized permits, emergency actions, or written permission from Parks & Recreation are typical defences; specific language is not specified on the cited page.

Applications & Forms

The Memorial Tree Program uses a donor request form and may require a signed agreement; fee amounts and submission instructions are published on the Memorial Tree Program page. If a specific application number or PDF is not shown on the program page, it is not specified on the cited page and applicants should contact Parks & Recreation for the current form Memorial Tree Program[2].

Planting on public property requires city approval; private contractors cannot plant memorial trees without authorization.

Action steps

  • Request: Locate and complete the Memorial Tree request form on the program page, then submit per instructions.
  • Report a hazard or illegal pruning: contact Parks & Recreation Forestry via the Forestry contact page or the city report portal.
  • If cited: read the notice for deadlines, follow restoration orders, and use the listed appeal pathway.

FAQ

Who manages trees on public property in Lincoln?
The Parks & Recreation Department, Forestry Division, manages municipal trees on parks, rights-of-way, and public property.
Can I plant a memorial tree in a Lincoln park?
Yes, through the Memorial Tree Program; submit the donor request and follow site approvals on the program page Memorial Tree Program[2].
Are there fines for pruning or removing city trees?
Fines and penalties are controlled by city ordinance or code; the Parks pages do not list specific fine amounts and direct users to municipal code or legal services.

How-To

  1. Identify whether the tree is on public property by checking park maps or contacting Forestry.
  2. For memorials, download or request the Memorial Tree form and submit payment and donor information per the program page.
  3. For hazards, report the tree online or call Forestry; follow any interim safety instructions provided by the department.
  4. If you receive a notice, read the enforcement letter, meet remediation deadlines, or follow appeal instructions provided by the city.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact Parks & Recreation Forestry before any work on trees that may be on public property.
  • The city follows scheduled pruning rotations and emergency responses; Memorial Tree sites depend on park plans.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Lincoln Forestry Division
  2. [2] Memorial Tree Program

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