Columbus, IN Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Section 12.20.020 of the Columbus Municipal Code sets who can take down a tree in the public right-of-way. Under subsection A(2), the city can remove or prune any public tree or part of one that is unhealthy, unsafe, or a nuisance, to the extent possible under the prevailing economic situation, with exceptions for pruning for tree health and for pruning or removal for development and improvement of public infrastructure. Subsection A(3) lets the city remove or prune, or with cause order removed or pruned at the adjacent property owner's expense, a boundary tree that is unhealthy or unsafe and threatening public property. Subsection A(4) reaches a private property tree that is unsafe and threatening public property, which the city can with cause order removed or pruned at the adjacent owner's expense.

Subsection B(3) limits residents: adjacent property owners are permitted to remove only nuisance street, boundary, and median trees, following the guidelines in the tree work manual, with an exception for public infrastructure improvements. Section 12.20.010 defines a nuisance tree as one with an infectious disease or insect, dead or dying, obstructing the view of traffic signs or free passage of pedestrians or vehicles, an undesirable species, or a threat to public health, safety and welfare.

The city must notify adjacent street right-of-way owners of tree care it will perform (A(6)), except that emergency action to protect life or property can proceed without notice and is limited to removing immediate danger (A(7)). A financial assistance program in subsection C splits the cost fifty percent owner and fifty percent city for trees deemed dying, dead or hazardous by an ISA certified arborist, until the appropriated funds run out. Section 12.20.060 requires a tree care contractor to carry insurance naming the City of Columbus as an insured, with at least ten days notice before any cancellation. Section 12.20.070 forbids topping, breaking, injuring, mutilating, defacing, killing or destroying a public tree.