If the repair is yours to pay
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Default rule and exceptions
The owner must keep the abutting sidewalk in repair and is liable for injuries caused by failing to (Phoenix City Code 31-54). Cutting or trimming a public-place tree needs City Forester permission and is done at the applicant's cost (34-15), but that does not shift the sidewalk bill.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner | Phoenix City Code 31-54: "It shall be the duty of the owner or the lessee of any lot or parcel abutting upon any sidewalk now or hereafter constructed in the City to keep and maintain such sidewalk in repair," and an owner who fails "shall be liable for any damage on account of any injury." |
| City / public agency | Tree work in public places requires City Forester permission (34-15): "Such cutting, trimming or pruning shall be done by the City Forester at the cost of the applicant." |
| Exceptions | None on record |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Sep 27, 2026.
It shall be the duty of the owner or the lessee of any lot or parcel abutting upon any sidewalk now or hereafter constructed in the City to keep and maintain such sidewalk in repair. (Code 1962, § 35-66)
It shall be unlawful for any person to cut, trim, remove, injure or interfere with any shrubbery or ornamental trees or shrubbery in parks, pleasure grounds, boulevards, alleys or streets of the City.
Such cutting, trimming or pruning shall be done by the City Forester at the cost of the applicant.
shall be liable for any damage on account of any injury.
City rules rest on state law. Read Arizona's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for tree roots in Phoenix, AZ?
The property owner. Phoenix City Code 31-54: "It shall be the duty of the owner or the lessee of any lot or parcel abutting upon any sidewalk now or hereafter constructed in the City to keep and maintain such sidewalk in repair," and an owner who fails "shall be liable for any damage on account of any injury."
What does the city cover in Phoenix, AZ?
Tree work in public places requires City Forester permission (34-15): "Such cutting, trimming or pruning shall be done by the City Forester at the cost of the applicant."
What is this based on for Phoenix, AZ?
This verdict is sourced to Phoenix City Code 31-54/31-55/31-57 (owner duty, liability, city lien) and 4 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Phoenix City Code 31-54/31-55/31-57 (owner duty, liability, city lien)official · verified-official · accessed 2026-09-07
- Phoenix City Code 34-15, Trees and Vegetation (City Forester permission)official · verified-official · accessed 2026-09-27
- Phoenix City Code § 34-15ordinance · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
- Phoenix City Code 31-54/31-55/31-57 (owner duty, liability, city lien)official · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-27
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