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Shreveport, LA Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Tree removal permit rules in Shreveport, LA, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.

Key Facts

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

Summary

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.

A tree removal permit is required in order to remove any tree 30 inches or larger in caliper.

Source: Shreveport Code of Ordinances & Unified Development CodeView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 85 Update 1 | Unified Development Code: Supplement 20).

Full Breakdown

UDC Section 10.5 governs planting, maintenance and removal on street rights-of-way and other public grounds. Trees there may not be removed without approval from the Department of Public Works or the Shreveport Public Assembly and Recreation Department, and a removal permit is required for any tree 30 inches or larger in caliper. City crews may act without approval for emergency sewer, water or flooding repairs. On private property no removal permit exists. Code Section 98-28 requires anyone performing tree work in the city to hold the state arborist license under La. R.S. 3:3801 and to register with the city for a $50 annual permit; homeowners working their own property are excluded.

Violations & Fines

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to cut down a tree in my back yard?
No. Shreveport requires no tree removal permit for trees on private property. The 30-inch permit trigger in UDC Section 10.5.B applies to street rights-of-way and other public grounds.
What about the tree between my sidewalk and the street?
That is usually right-of-way. UDC Section 10.5.B bars removal without approval from Public Works or SPAR, and a permit is required at 30 inches caliper or larger.
Can I hire any tree service?
Code Section 98-28 requires the company to hold a Louisiana arborist license under La. R.S. 3:3801 and to register annually with the city for $50 before working in Shreveport.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Shreveport

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsTree TrimmingSome RestrictionsCompostingSome RestrictionsRainwater HarvestingFew RestrictionsNative PlantsFew RestrictionsWeed OrdinancesHeavy RestrictionsArtificial TurfSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions

All Shreveport rules

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