Kathy Keeney

Landscape Superintendent

City Horticulturist

(270) 444-1339   

email:   kkeeney@ci.paducah.ky.us

Paducah Treecare and Vegetation Control Ordinance

The purpose of Ordinance Chapter 118 is to regulate and control planting of trees and shrubbery; to encourage the protection of existing trees in the streets and public grounds within the City, and to establish procedures and practices for fulfilling these purposes.  The code of Ordinances for the City may be found by clicking Ordinances at the top of this webpage.  

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 Paducah Public Works 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.

Tips on Hiring a Treecare Company

Hiring a treecare company can sometimes be a tricky situation.  Not everyone has a business license to operate in the city or county, not everyone is a certified arborist and up-to-date on the best pruning and treecare techniques, and while some will tell you they have insurance, don't allow them to operate unless they can show you updated proof of insurance.  This protects you, as a homeowner, should anything happen to your property, and it protects your property should anything happen to one of the treecare workers.  Not having insurance means you could be liable if a worker sustained injuries on your property, and it could mean your homeowner's insurance would have to pay the cost of repairs should damage occur as the result of an accident.  If they tree is located in the right-of-way or if it is on the property line, there may be other factors to consider.  Click Tree Tips for more guidelines on selectiing a tree care service and for tips on planting trees and shrubs.

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.