Shreveport, LA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Under Code of Ordinances Sec. 98-26(a), anyone owning or maintaining shade or ornamental trees, shrubs or hedges on the sidewalks or banquettes of the city must keep them trimmed so they do not block clear vision of vehicle and foot traffic, do not obstruct traffic, and do not interfere with light from streetlights. A violation of this standard is declared a public nuisance outright, not merely a code infraction. Subsection (b) sets the hard numbers: trees, shrubs and hedges on public rights-of-way, or hanging/encroaching onto them from private property, must be trimmed of all limbs and foliage to at least seven feet above the sidewalk and fifteen feet above the street and curb level, and must be trained to a single trunk or stem.

Growth on private property that blocks sight-line visibility for vehicles entering or traveling a public right-of-way must be cut back to a minimum of four feet from the street surface, or further if the city determines more clearance is needed for sight distance. Subsection (c) lets the city modify the (b) standard for specific locations far enough from streets, alleys and sidewalks that relaxing it will not interfere with right-of-way use. If an owner is not maintaining trees, shrubs or hedges to the (b) standard, subsection (e) allows the city to give ten days' written notice to comply; subsection (f) then lets the city itself trim the vegetation if the owner still fails to act after that notice, without waiving the separate misdemeanor penalty in Sec.

98-29(a). Property owners cannot wait for a complaint to trigger action: the duty to trim to these clearances is stated as continuous and self-executing under subsection (d), independent of any city notice.