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

Chapter 95 distinguishes between street trees and private trees. Under § 95.33(B), no person may remove a 'street tree' (one on city-owned or controlled land or within a dedicated landscape easement) unless the Tree Board has issued a permit, except that no permit is required in an emergency. Section 95.34 also bars planting or removing material in the public right-of-way, a required landscape easement, or municipal property without a Tree Board permit, and requires that any tree removed from the right-of-way be cut flush with the ground (unless the stump is removed), with no brush left on a city street overnight. For trees planted between the street and sidewalk under § 95.01, § 95.02 makes the adjacent owner responsible for removal when necessary, and authorizes the city to remove a dead tree (and bill the owner) if the owner fails to act after notice. For 'unsafe trees' (dead, diseased, or hazardous, per § 95.10), §§ 95.11-95.12 make owners responsible for removing those that may fall into or encroach on a public right-of-way, sidewalk, or public property. For ordinary trees standing entirely on private property and posing no public hazard, the code does not impose a city removal permit. On development sites, the UDO (§ 6.7.3.C) requires protection of trees designated for conservation and survey notation of trees six inches in diameter or greater.