With the arrival of summer rains, urban trees commonly face greater risks of falling branches and trees, due to waterlogged soil and stronger winds. In residential condominiums, building managers need to pay attention not only to the safety of residents and property, but also to the legal and environmental requirements governing preventive tree pruning across different Brazilian cities. A planned approach reduces accidents without harming tree health, as correct pruning seeks to remove dead or diseased branches while preserving the plant's integrity and the environmental services it provides.

How the law treats pruning across Brazilian cities

Rio de Janeiro (RJ)
In Rio, pruning in private areas within the condominium does not require authorisation from the Fundação Parques e Jardins (FPJ), but must comply with technical standards, such as NBR 16246-1, and avoid pruning that removes more than around 30% of the canopy, under risk of a fine and environmental penalty. For trees on pavements or public thoroughfares, residents can request authorisation via the Central 1746 helpline or the Carioca Digital portal, opening a process for pruning or removal in a public area, with an inspection and authorisation issued by the FPJ.

São Paulo (SP)
In São Paulo, Law No. 17,794/2022 defines tree-sized vegetation as protected property. Pruning or removal in a private area — including within a condominium — depends on authorisation from the relevant municipal body, justified by a technical report, especially in situations of imminent risk of falling. Improper pruning is subject to fines according to the scales set out in the law.

Goiânia (GO)
Supplementary Law No. 374/2024, which establishes the Urban Afforestation Master Plan (PDAU), determines that pruning of trees in public areas requires inspection and authorisation from the municipal environmental agency. For trees in internal private areas — such as within condominiums — the recommendation is to request a technical inspection and authorisation from the municipal environmental body, ensuring technical backing before the work is carried out.

Fortaleza (CE)
In this Ceará municipality, the City Code provides that drastic pruning that compromises a tree's health is prohibited and that the relevant municipal body (UrbFor) must monitor and manage public tree cover. Trees on public thoroughfares that pose a risk can be managed following a technical report and under the supervision of the city council.

Porto Alegre (RS)
In Porto Alegre, Supplementary Law No. 757/2015 and administrative rules determine that pruning or removal of urban trees, even in private areas, must follow a formal process via the Licensing Portal, with technical review by the Department of the Environment. For trees on pavements or public thoroughfares, requests can be made through the official channel (such as 156 or the city council's portal) for inspection and execution by the municipality or with specific authorisation for private individuals, backed by a technical report and ART.

The importance of environmental authorisation

Even when pruning is carried out in a private area, many cities regard urban trees as serving a public function — providing shade, biodiversity and climate regulation — and, therefore, any intervention must comply with current municipal legislation. Authorisation or technical oversight helps ensure that the intervention is safe, legal and environmentally appropriate. Always check your city's official channels to find out the correct procedure.

Preventive pruning, when properly authorised and well executed, is part of effective condominium safety management in summer, protecting people and property without compromising the health of the urban environment.