Indianapolis, IN Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- DBH threshold
- Over 18 inches
- Species listed
- 14 species, e.g. sugar maple
- Catch-all species
- Any oak (Quercus, all spp.)
- Defined in
- Sec. 740-202 definitions
Summary
The zoning code names 14 specific tree species, plus any oak, that qualify a tree over 18 inches DBH for mandatory heritage-tree removal protection under Sec. 740-202.
Heritage tree: A tree over 18 inches diameter at breast height (DBH) and one of the heritage tree species. Heritage tree species include: Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum), Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata), Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), Yellowwood (Cladrastus kentukea), American Beech (Fagus grandifolia), Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus diocia), Walnut or Butternut (Juglans), Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), Sweet Gum (Liquidambar styraciflua), Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica), American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides), American Elm (Ulmus americana), Red Elm (Ulmus rubra) and any oak species (Quercus, all spp.)
High impact project: For purposes of Regional Center regulations, projects that are: new construction valued at a hard cost value exceeding a specific threshold value; remodeling or modification of existing development values at a hard cost value exceeding a specific threshold value; proposing a floor area exceeding a specific threshold value measured in square footage; proposing an area of surface parking exceeding a specific threshold value measured in square footage; or demolition of historic structure, as determined by the Administrator. The threshold values of high impact projects are established by a resolution of the Metropolitan Development Commission.
High-power electric transmission line: A line segment in an electric utility system having an operating voltage of 69,000 volts or greater.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 47 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 740-202 defines 'heritage tree' as any tree over 18 inches diameter at breast height belonging to a listed species, including sugar maple, shagbark hickory, hackberry, American beech, tulip poplar, black gum, American sycamore, American elm, and any oak species (Quercus, all species). Meeting both the size and species test is what triggers the removal restrictions of Sec. 744-503.K elsewhere in the zoning code.
Violations & Fines
Removing a listed species over 18 inches DBH without a qualifying finding triggers the Sec. 744-503.K removal ban and the Sec. 744-503.M replacement-tree mandate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tree species get heritage-tree protection in Indianapolis?
Does a young oak tree count as a protected heritage tree?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Indianapolis
Compare Indianapolis to another location·View the Indiana tree protection overview
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