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

Tree removal in Indianapolis is regulated based on where the tree sits. A City flora permit is required for any tree removal (as well as planting, spraying, bracing, or pruning) in the public right-of-way, which is city-owned property along streets, commonly the lawn strip between the street and sidewalk. These rules are administered under Revised Code Chapter 701 (Trees and Flora) by the City's forestry/code enforcement function. Trees located entirely on private property are generally the owner's responsibility and may be removed without a flora permit, though debris left on the ground (tree limbs or wood) can be cited as a trash/nuisance violation by the Marion County Public Health Department. Indianapolis does not impose a general permit requirement for removing healthy private-property trees the way some jurisdictions do; the permit requirement is tied to work in the right-of-way.