Fort Wayne, IN Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Approved list
- ~30 named varieties, § 99.140(A)
- Unlisted species
- Prohibited along streets
- Removal deadline
- 10 days after Board notice
- Permit required
- For any street tree work, § 99.146
- Enforcement
- City removal + lien on property
Summary
Fort Wayne allows only Board of Park Commissioners-approved tree varieties along city streets; any other species planted in the parkway must be removed within 10 days of notice.
The planting of trees other than those listed in § 99.140(A) is prohibited along any street except by permission of the Board of Park Commissioners. ... Any owner of real estate planting any trees other than those mentioned in § 99.140(A) along any street shall remove or cause to be removed the same within 10 days after receiving a notice from the Board of Park Commissioners.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-60: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. G-19-26, passed 7-14-26, and Res. 83-19, passed 12-17-19 State legislation current through Legislative Service, 2025 Acts, Pamphlet No. 3).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 99.140 names roughly 30 approved street-tree varieties (maples, oaks, elms, lindens, ginkgo, sycamore and others) that may be planted in the grass strip between sidewalk and street. Planting any other species there is prohibited without Board of Park Commissioners permission, and a permit is separately required under § 99.146 to plant, trim or remove any street tree. An owner who plants an unlisted species must remove it within 10 days of a Board notice under § 99.143.
Violations & Fines
Board of Park Commissioners orders removal within 10 days of notice; if the owner doesn't comply, the city does the work and places a lien on the property for the cost, plus a general penalty fine up to $2,500 under § 99.999.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant any tree species along the street in Fort Wayne?
What happens if I plant an unapproved tree in the parkway?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Wayne
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