Muscat – Authorities in Muscat governorate have launched a public awareness campaign to ensure residents follow proper procedures when planting trees outside their residential properties.

The move is part of wider efforts to promote safe, organised landscaping and protect public infrastructure.

The Office of the Governor of Muscat stated that a permit is required before planting trees beyond the boundaries of private plots. Residents who do not comply face a fine of RO100, along with the removal or correction of the violation.

To encourage greener surroundings in a regulated manner, residents must obtain a minor building permit before planting trees outside their property lines. The permit costs RO50 and helps ensure that planting does not interfere with infrastructure or obstruct public access. Applications can be submitted online via the Muscat Municipality website (www.mm.gov.om) or at Sanad Service Centres.

The campaign sets out clear guidelines for legal planting. These include maintaining safe distances from roads, property boundaries and utility infrastructure. Only areas directly adjacent to a resident’s home may be used, and only with prior approval.

Tree species must be selected carefully to avoid damage to underground pipes, pavements, and public pathways.

Certain locations have been designated as restricted planting zones. These include vehicle entryways, shared spaces between plots, public utility zones, areas not defined in official land surveys, locations near electrical facilities, and street corners where trees may block visibility.

The regulations also provide standards for fencing around landscaped areas. Permanent construction materials are not permitted.

Acceptable alternatives include kerbstone barriers up to 20cm in height, green mesh enclosures around individual trees up to 1.5m, and hedges no taller than 50cm.

The governorate’s office stressed that while green spaces improve the visual and environmental quality of urban areas, unregulated planting and non-compliant enclosures can pose safety risks and disrupt access to essential services.