Stumped by Tree Troubles? We're Here for You! - Get Your FREE Estimates!
Stumped by Tree Troubles? We're Here for You! - Get Your FREE Estimates!
By
Big Easy Tree Removal 
Feb 11, 2023 
0 Comments Removing a tree from your property in New Orleans is not always as simple as picking up a chainsaw. Between city ordinances, state civil codes, and neighborhood restrictions, homeowners across Southeast Louisiana face a patchwork of rules that can vary from one block to the next. Whether you are dealing with a storm-damaged water oak or a healthy live oak shading your driveway, understanding the legal requirements is essential before you begin any work. Big Easy Tree Removal helps homeowners throughout the Greater New Orleans area navigate these requirements and handle permitted tree work safely and legally.
The subtropical climate in New Orleans means trees grow quickly and can become hazardous just as fast. Heavy rains, high humidity, and annual hurricane seasons accelerate decay, root instability, and pest infestations. Knowing when you need permission and when you can act on your own protects both your property and your wallet.
Yes, the City of New Orleans requires a Tree Maintenance Permit for any work performed on trees located on public rights-of-way, including neutral grounds and sidewalk-adjacent spaces. In March 2025, the City Council also approved an updated Tree Protection Ordinance that expands oversight to certain trees on private property, particularly species of cultural and environmental significance.
The original city code provisions governing trees had not been amended since 1956. The updated ordinance reflects the modern reality of canopy loss from hurricanes Katrina, Ida, and ongoing development. For private property trees that do not fall under the ordinance, homeowners in unincorporated areas of Orleans Parish generally have the right to remove trees without a city permit, but verifying your specific situation is always recommended.
Live oaks, Southern magnolias, and other culturally significant species receive heightened attention under New Orleans ordinances. Trees on public property or within historic overlay districts may carry additional restrictions that limit or prohibit removal, even if branches extend over your private lot.
New Orleans has lost significant portions of its urban canopy over the past two decades. The Department of Parks and Parkways manages public trees through a permitting process that requires submission from a Louisiana-licensed arborist. This permit is free of charge and remains valid for 60 days from the date of issuance.
Yes. Any tree located on a public right-of-way, neutral ground, or city-owned land requires a permit before any work is performed. This applies to trimming, pruning, and removal. A Louisiana-licensed arborist must submit the permit application along with proof of insurance naming the City of New Orleans as certificate holder.
Many homeowners assume that the tree between their sidewalk and the street belongs to them, but in most cases it sits on city property. Performing unauthorized work on these trees can result in fines and the requirement to pay for replacement plantings.
In most cases, trees that are entirely on your private property and are not a protected species can be removed without a city permit in Orleans Parish. Dead, diseased, or storm-damaged trees that pose an immediate safety hazard may also qualify for emergency removal, though documentation is advisable.
Even when a permit is not required, homeowner association rules may still apply. Many neighborhoods in New Orleans, including those in Lakeview, the Garden District, and Algiers Point, have covenants that restrict or require approval for tree removal on private lots.
Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 687, trees located on property boundaries are considered jointly owned unless one party can prove otherwise. Neither neighbor can remove or significantly alter a boundary tree without the consent of the other owner. Violating this rule can result in civil liability for damages.
This is a common source of disputes in older New Orleans neighborhoods where large live oaks straddle lot lines. If you and your neighbor cannot agree, either party may seek a court injunction to resolve the matter.
Louisiana Civil Code Article 688 gives property owners the right to demand that overhanging branches or encroaching roots be trimmed at the neighbor’s expense, provided the vegetation interferes with your enjoyment of the property. If the neighbor refuses, you may seek an injunction or trim the branches yourself without crossing onto their land.
It is important to note that you cannot damage or kill the neighbor’s tree in the process of trimming. Aggressive cutting that harms the health of the tree may expose you to liability under Louisiana law.
Removing a tree without the required permit in New Orleans can result in fines of up to $1,000 or more. For protected species such as live oaks and magnolias, penalties can exceed $5,000 depending on the tree’s size, age, and condition. Additional costs may include attorney fees, restoration fees, and mandatory replanting at the homeowner’s expense.
Jefferson Parish has also increased penalties for unlawful tree removal in certain areas, including Old Metairie. Homeowners in surrounding parishes should check their local government websites or contact parish planning departments before scheduling any removal work.
Generally, no. Under Louisiana law, a property owner is not liable if a healthy tree falls due to natural events such as hurricanes or storms, which are considered acts of God. However, if the neighbor knew about a dead, diseased, or structurally compromised tree and failed to address it, they may be held liable under Louisiana Civil Code Article 1317.1 for negligent maintenance.
Documenting the condition of a concerning tree with photos and written communication to your neighbor creates a record that may be useful if legal action becomes necessary. You may also want to have a licensed arborist assess the tree and provide a written evaluation of its health and structural stability.
Start by confirming the tree’s exact location on your property survey to determine ownership and whether it sits on public or private land. Next, contact the City of New Orleans Department of Parks and Parkways or your parish government to verify permit requirements. Finally, obtain written estimates from a licensed and insured tree service before any work begins.
Here is a practical checklist for New Orleans homeowners considering tree removal:
In many cases, yes. Targeted trimming, structural support, or disease treatment can extend a tree’s life by years or decades while preserving your property’s shade, value, and curb appeal. A qualified arborist can evaluate whether tree support systems or fertilization may address the underlying issue without requiring full removal.
If insect damage is the primary concern, termite treatments may resolve the problem and prevent further structural compromise. Trees that are already dead or hollow, however, typically need to come down before they become a hazard during storm season.
Even when a permit is not required, removing a tree involves significant safety risks. Overhead power lines, adjacent structures, root systems intertwined with plumbing, and the sheer weight of mature trees all present dangers that require proper equipment, training, and insurance coverage.
If you have determined that removal is necessary, or if you need help assessing whether a tree qualifies for emergency removal, Big Easy Tree Removal can guide you through the process. We handle everything from initial assessment and permit coordination to stump grinding and site cleanup after the job is complete. If the stump needs to be fully extracted, our stump removal service takes care of that as well.
Thinking about replacing a removed tree? Our tree planting service ensures new trees are positioned, species-selected, and planted for long-term success in New Orleans’ subtropical environment.
Call us at 504-732-1166 or request a free estimate to get started.
We serve New Orleans, Gretna, Slidell, Metairie, Kenner, Covington, Mandeville, Hammond, River Ridge, and throughout Louisiana.
Yes, you need permission to cut down a tree on your property in most cases. Depending on where you live, you may need to obtain a permit or other authorization from your local government before cutting down a tree. You should also contact your utility company if the tree is in close proximity to wires and other utilities.
Whether the tree is protected by law will depend on the location it was planted or grew, as well as its size and species. In some areas, trees that are considered culturally or historically significant may be exempt from being cut down. Additionally, protected species of trees may also be subject to certain regulations or restrictions when it comes to cutting them down. It’s important to research the area you live in and understand the applicable laws before attempting to remove any trees from your property.
The consequences for cutting down a tree without permission vary depending on where you live and can include hefty fines, removal of the offending specimen, replanting fees, or even jail time in extreme circumstances. It’s important to always obtain any necessary permits prior to removing any trees from your property, so that you can avoid any potential legal issues.
The legal requirements for cutting down a tree on your property depend on other factors including the region you are in, and the size of the tree. Generally, you will need permission from either the local government or a private entity before removing a tree from your property. In some cases, this permission can even be waived depending on the type of tree and its location. Prior to removal of any tree, you should also check local zoning regulations as some areas may restrict unauthorized tree removal. Additionally, often times professional help is recommended for safe and proper removal of trees larger than one hundred pounds. Finally, always remember to cleanup after yourself – dispose of tree byproducts responsibly!
If the live oak is entirely on your private property and not within a historic overlay district, you may be able to remove it without a city permit in some cases. However, the updated Tree Protection Ordinance approved in March 2025 may impose additional requirements for culturally significant species. Contact the Department of Parks and Parkways to confirm before scheduling removal.
Document the tree’s condition with photos and notify your neighbor in writing. Under Louisiana law, the neighbor may be liable if they knew the tree was hazardous and failed to act. If the tree poses an immediate danger, contact your parish emergency management office and a licensed tree service to assess whether emergency removal is warranted.
The city’s tree work permit is free and valid for 60 days once issued. Processing times vary depending on the Department of Parks and Parkways workload, but submitting complete documentation, including a licensed arborist’s contract and proof of insurance, typically speeds up the process.
Yes. Each parish in Southeast Louisiana sets its own tree removal regulations. Jefferson Parish recently increased penalties for unlawful removal in areas like Old Metairie. St. Tammany Parish also has ordinances governing tree removal in certain municipalities including Covington and Mandeville. Always check with your local government before removing any tree.
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