Shreveport's Tree Protection: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles tree protection a little differently. In Shreveport, Louisiana, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Tree Replacement Requirements

Shreveport imposes no mitigation ratio for removing a private tree. Replacement obligations attach to landscape plans: material shown on an approved plan must be maintained, and dead or missing plants replaced within 60 days of notice.

Key details: Replacement deadline: 60 days after notice. Private removal mitigation ratio: None in code. Preserved trees damaged in construction: Must be replaced. Minimum shade tree size: Three inches caliper at planting. Occupancy leverage: No CO before landscaping done.

Failure to replace required landscape material is a UDC violation enforced by the Zoning Administrator. Certificates of occupancy are withheld until landscaping is complete.

Tree Removal Permits

A tree removal permit in Shreveport is required for trees 30 inches or larger in caliper in street rights-of-way and other public grounds. Removing a tree on your own lot needs no city permit, though hired tree crews must be licensed and registered.

Key details: Public tree permit trigger: 30 inches caliper or larger. Approving agencies: Public Works or SPAR. Private-lot removal permit: Not required. City arborist registration: $50 annual permit. Arborist violation fine: Up to $500 per offense.

Removing or damaging a public tree without approval violates the UDC. Unlicensed arborists face permit revocation, a fine up to $500 per offense, and a one-year bar on reapplying.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Shreveport gives residents more flexibility on tree removal permits.

Heritage & Protected Trees

Shreveport designates no heritage, landmark or specimen trees. Neither the Unified Development Code nor Chapter 98 creates a protected-tree list, a diameter-based designation on private lots, or a heritage tree permit. Preservation runs through voluntary credits instead.

Key details: Heritage tree list: None adopted. Preservation credit threshold: Eight inches caliper or greater. Credit ratio: One-to-one, once per tree. Credit cap: 50 percent of required trees. Caliper measured at: Four and one-half feet high.

No heritage tree penalty exists. Damaging any tree in a public right-of-way violates UDC Section 10.5.C, and UDC violations carry city fines with each day a separate offense.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Shreveport gives residents more flexibility on heritage & protected trees.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Shreveport gives residents more room on tree protection. 2 of the 3 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

Keep in mind that Shreveport can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.