Baton Rouge requires commercial tree removal work on public property and rights-of-way to be performed by a licensed arborist under Title 9, Chapter 11. Private property tree removal generally does not require a city permit, except in historic districts and for certain protected live oaks. State arborist licensing is
Title 9 (Licenses, Regulations and Trade Occupations), Chapter 11 of the City-Parish Code regulates arborists and tree work in Baton Rouge. Section § 9-493 requires any commercial operator trimming, pruning, or removing trees on public property or rights-of-way to hold a valid arborist license issued by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF). Private property tree removal is generally unregulated by city permit for standard residential lots; however, properties in historic districts (e.g., Beauregard Town) face additional review, and large live oaks may require approval from the Landscape Division. The City-Parish does not intervene in disputes over trees overhanging from neighboring property. Emergency storm removals may proceed immediately but photographic documentation must be retained.
Performing commercial tree work on public property without a valid arborist license violates Title 9, Ch. 11 and may result in fines, license denial, and cease-and-desist orders enforced by the City-Parish and LDAF.
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