New Orleans, LA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Section 106-219, 'Request for pruning,' lets any resident request in writing that the department cut, prune or remove a city tree adjoining, adjacent to or abutting their private property. If the department finds the tree substantially causes loss, damage or deprivation of the lawful use of that property, it may cut, prune or remove the tree itself. If the resident instead wants the pruning done at their own expense rather than by the department, § 106-219(b) still requires prior written permission before any work starts.

Section 106-219(c) then sets the procedural rules for any such request: all cutting, pruning or removal must be performed by arborists, the department must receive at least ten working days' advance notice of the date and time the work is contemplated, no cutting, pruning or removal may occur without the department's written permission, and the tree may never be worked on contrary to the department's express stipulations. The department reserves the right to inspect work in progress and require compliance with arboricultural standards. Section 106-219(d) closes the loop by barring anyone from personally cutting, trimming or removing a city tree adjoining their own property without that same prior written permission, homeowners cannot simply hire their own crew without departmental sign-off first.