Paducah Treecare and Vegetation Control Ordinance

City of Paducah Code of Ordinances Chapter 118 regulates and controls planting of trees and shrubbery;  encourages the protection of existing trees in the streets and public grounds within the City, and establishes procedures and practices for fulfilling these purposes. 

Business Licenses

How do you find out if a business is licensed to operate in the City?  This can be done by contacting the Revenue Division of the City Finance Department at 270-444-8513.  These dedicated individuals help people discern the safety of operators and businesses locally, a huge bonus when you are in the midst of renovations and repairs, or even looking for a legitimate lawncare or treecare business.  They are so much more than just a face when you pay taxes – they are our local better business bureau!

Tree Advisory Board

Paducah has a Tree Advisory Board that meets monthly.  These individuals review requests for permits for any planting, removal and/or trimming or cutting of trees in any public area, advise appropriate municipal agencies on matters of care, preservation, planting, removal, replacement or disposition of trees in parks, along streets and in public areas as needed, and they promote urban forestry.  If you are interested in tree care, and would like to volunteer, or would like to find out more information about tree selection and care, contact the Engineering-Public Works Department at 270-444-8567.  Click -Tree Advisory Board- for more information. 

Civic Beautification Board 

The Civic Beautification Board (CBB) was officially established by City ordinance in July 1960.  The CBB has the mission of creating a more pleasing environment within our community through the instigation, association, cooperation, and coordination of individuals, organizations, businesses, and government on local, state, and national levels.  Click -Civic Beautification Board- to learn more about the members, history, and special projects.

Tree Tips

Click -Tree Tips- for guidelines on selecting a tree care service, tips on planting trees and shrubs, and tips to protect your trees from salt damage in the winter. Your local nursery, tree care professional, or Cooperative Extension office is an invaluable tool in determining which variety of trees works best for your specific site. 

Rain Gardens

Rain gardens are landscaped areas around your home planted with wild flowers and other native vegetation that soak up rain water.  The rain water is mainly from impervious surfaces such as the roof of your home or other building.  The purpose of the rain garden is for a few inches of water to fill the garden after a storm and then the water will slowly filter into the ground.  Without the rain garden, the water would quickly run off to a ditch or storm drain.  The rain garden allows more water to soak into the ground.  Other benefits include reducing stormwater runoff, filtering of rain water of pollutants before it enters the ground, enhancing the beauty of yards and neighborhoods, and providing a habitat for birds, butterflies, and insects. 

The Lexington Fayette Urban County Government and associated businesses and organizations have developed materials for homeowners to use to build a rain garden, and they have graciously provided those materials to the City of Paducah.  Click Rain Garden Brochure for a brief overview of rain gardens.  Click Rain Garden Manual for a 12-page document (5MB) with how-to instructions.