Tree Protection in Indiana (2026)
11 rules on the books across Indiana, 5 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Heritage & Protected Trees
Extra protections for old, large, or historically significant trees, including the penalties for removing them without approval.
Indianapolis
Significant RestrictionsRemoving a heritage tree anywhere in Indianapolis is illegal by default under Sec. 744-503.K, unless the Administrator…
Read full rule →Fishers
Light RestrictionsFishers offers developers an optional specimen-tree and wooded-area preservation program with landscape credits, in…
Read full rule →Protected Tree Species
Specific native species (oak, sycamore, walnut, juniper) protected by city ordinance, diameter thresholds, removal permits, and replacement ratios.
Fort Wayne
Significant RestrictionsFort Wayne allows only Board of Park Commissioners-approved tree varieties along city streets; any other species…
Read full rule →Indianapolis
Some RestrictionsThe zoning code names 14 specific tree species, plus any oak, that qualify a tree over 18 inches DBH for mandatory…
Read full rule →Porter County
Some RestrictionsPorter County's UDO protects trees by size, not species: any tree with a trunk diameter of twenty-four inches or…
Read full rule →Fishers
Few RestrictionsFishers has no mandatory tree or wildlife-habitat protection ordinance. City Code § 162.02 instead offers developers an…
Read full rule →Parkway Planting
Permits and rules for planting in the parkway strip between sidewalk and curb, including approved species lists and Bureau of Street Services standards.
Fort Wayne
Significant RestrictionsFort Wayne requires a Board of Park Commissioners permit before anyone plants, trims, or removes a tree in the street…
Read full rule →Evansville
Some RestrictionsPlanting a tree along an Evansville street, park, or other public right-of-way needs Tree Advisory Board permit review…
Read full rule →Fishers
Some RestrictionsPlanting a tree or shrub in the strip between the street and sidewalk in Fishers, Indiana requires a permit from the…
Read full rule →Indianapolis
Some RestrictionsPlanting a shade or ornamental tree in an Indianapolis street, alley or public right-of-way requires prior species and…
Read full rule →Porter County
Some RestrictionsAlong Primary and Secondary Arterial road frontages in the county's Arterial Roadway Overlay District, developers must…
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