Indianapolis protects street trees under Rev. Code Ch. 905. Permit required from DPW Urban Forestry for any work on trees in the public right-of-way. Private yard trees unregulated.
Indianapolis-Marion County Rev. Code Ch. 905 (Urban Forestry) places all trees in the public right-of-way (tree lawns, boulevards) under DPW jurisdiction. No person may plant, prune, remove, or treat a street tree without a permit from DPW Urban Forestry. Private yard trees are not regulated except for nuisance/hazard abatement. Branches overhanging a neighbor's property may be trimmed to the property line under Indiana common law (Toledo v. Walker). Emerald ash borer has killed a large share of public ash trees; the city's EAB treatment program covers qualifying street ashes. Reports go through Mayor's Action Center / Request Indy 311.
Unauthorized work on street tree: $250 to $2,500 plus replacement value (typically $500 to $3,000 per tree). Topping a street tree: criminal mischief charge possible.
See how Marion County's tree trimming rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.