Gretna, LA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

Sec. 50-6 of the Gretna Code of Ordinances regulates all planting of trees and shrubbery on city property, a term the section defines to include streets, sidewalks, rights-of-way, public parks and cemeteries, which covers parkway and street-tree planting. Before planting anything on city-controlled ground, a resident must file a written application and obtain a permit from the office of the mayor. The application must be handwritten in ink or typewritten and must include the exact proposed site with measurements from the nearest curb, sidewalk or fixed landmark, a list of any observable utilities at the site, and a complete description of the tree or shrub, its type, height and diameter at planting.

Any decision to grant a planting permit requires review of documentation, maps and plans showing existing and planned utilities, and must take into account the recommendation of the tree board, weighing whether the planting could interfere with utilities, create a safety hazard such as blocking sightlines to road signs, or damage sidewalks or roadways. The mayor's office may grant or refuse a permit to plant up to four trees or shrubs without city council approval and without posting neighborhood notice; a person who disagrees with that planting can appeal to the city council within 30 days by submitting a written request to the city clerk.

A 'planting project,' defined as five or more trees or shrubs proposed for city property at once, needs city council approval after notice is posted at the site and a public hearing is held. The seven-member tree commission, five members appointed by the five council members and two by the mayor, reviews and recommends on all planting requests and projects except in emergencies.