Tree Removal Permits in Shreveport, LA

Verified against Shreveport city sources · last checked 2026-08-06

Do you need a permit?

No permit required for most private trees

Shreveport has the most developed tree law of any city in north Louisiana and almost none of it lands on a homeowner. The city regulates the person holding the chainsaw: anyone servicing trees for hire must carry a state arborist license AND register with the city for a 50-dollar annual arborist permit, and may not use climbing spikes or leave the debris behind. The only tree removal permit in the code sits in the Unified Development Code section governing street rights-of-way and other public grounds, and the UDC states outright that "New construction of single-family (attached or detached) and two-family dwellings do not require landscape plans." Note one Shreveport quirk that trips people up: the city says the strip between your sidewalk and the curb is normally maintained by YOU, not by the city.

Size threshold

UDC Section 10.5.B: "A tree removal permit is required in order to remove any tree 30 inches or larger in caliper." That sentence sits inside a section titled "Tree Planting, Maintenance and Removal on Street Rights-of-Way and Other Public Grounds," so on its face it reaches public land. Read the word "caliper" carefully, because Shreveport does not use the nursery definition: UDC Section 2.4.E says "Tree caliper is the diameter of a tree trunk, measured at four and one-half feet above the adjacent ground" - which is DBH by another name. The tree preservation credit uses a separate figure: Section 10.6.A.2, "Credit for tree preservation will be granted only for trees eight inches or greater in caliper."

What's protected in Shreveport

Trees in a street right-of-way or on other public grounds. UDC Section 10.5.B: "Trees shall not be removed from a street right-of-way or other public grounds unless approval is received from City Public Works Department or the Shreveport Public Assembly and Recreation Department (SPAR), with the exception that city employees may remove trees when necessary to accomplish emergency repairs to sewer or water systems, or in order to alleviate flooding or other emergencies."
Any tree in a public right-of-way, against damage. UDC Section 10.5.C: "It shall be a violation of this section to damage, destroy or mutilate any tree in a public right-of-way or on other public grounds, or attach or place any rope or wire (other than one to support a young or broken tree or limb), sign, poster, handbill or any other thing to any such tree."
Public trees, against topping. UDC Section 10.5.D: "It shall be unlawful for any person to top or cutback to stubs the crown of any tree in street rights-of-way or on other public grounds."
Private trees that overhang the public way, which become a nuisance if untrimmed. Code Section 98-26(a) declares "Owning or maintaining any trees, shrubs or hedges in violation of this section" a public nuisance, and Section 98-26(b) sets the clearances: "trimmed of ail limbs and foliage to a height of at least seven feet above the sidewalk, and fifteen feet above the street and curb level."

How to apply in Shreveport

1
For a tree on your own private lot there is no city application.
2
For a tree in a street right-of-way or on other public grounds, seek approval from the Public Works Department or SPAR under UDC Section 10.5.B before any work. Call Streets and Drainage at 318-673-6330.
3
If you are hiring a tree service, ask for two things: the state arborist license and the City of Shreveport arborist permit. The city's instruction to arborists is "Bring proof that you are a Licensed Arborist by the State of Louisiana, must be current," in person at 1935 Claiborne Ave, with the 50-dollar non-refundable fee.
4
Decide in writing whether you are keeping the wood. Code Section 98-28(a) makes it a misdemeanor for a tree service to leave logs, limbs and debris behind, but Section 98-28(b) lets the owner assume that obligation "by notifying the person performing such services in writing that he desires to retain the logs, limbs, or other debris for his own personal use." The contractor must keep that notice for at least 30 days.
5
If you are the one hauling brush to the curb, Code Section 74-30 caps limbs at no more than four feet in length and no more than 75 pounds in weight.

Fees, penalties, and the ordinance

Fee: There is no homeowner tree permit and no fee. The fee that exists is the contractor registration: Code Section 98-28(d), "Any arborists operating within the city shall, in addition to obtaining their occupational license, be required to register with the city by obtaining an annual, renewable permit for the non-refundable fee of $50.00. Such permit will be issued through the department of operational services, office of public works, streets and drainage division." No fee is stated anywhere for the UDC Section 10.5 public-grounds tree removal permit.
Penalties: Every penalty in Shreveport's tree article is a misdemeanor capped at 500 dollars per offense, with each day a separate offense. Section 98-29(a) covers an owner who ignores a ten-day trimming notice; Section 98-29(b) covers climbing spikes; Section 98-29(c) covers arborists: "Any person, firm, or corporation operating as an arborist within the city and found to be in violation of any part of chapter 98 may have their city arborist permit revoked immediately and will be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined an amount not to exceed $500.00 for each offense... Any person, firm or corporation having their permit so revoked may not apply for another permit for a minimum of one year from the date of revocation." Section 98-29(d) covers improper disposal of the resulting debris.
Ordinance: Shreveport Code of Ordinances chapter 98 (Vegetation), Article II - Trees, Sections 98-26 through 98-29. Ord. No. 185 of 2004, adopted November 30, 2004, "amended article II in its entirety to read as herein set out"; the prior version derived from the Code of 1971, Sections 34 1/2-1 through 34 1/2-3. Tree removal and landscape rules are in the separate Shreveport Unified Development Code, Article 10 - Landscape and Tree Preservation. Section 10.5, which contains the removal permit, was most recently amended by Ord. No. 85, 2024, Section 3, adopted August 13, 2024. Section 10.1 has been amended six times since 2017, most recently by Ord. No. 149, 2024, Section 6, November 8, 2024. Code of Ordinances current through Ordinance No. 150, 2025, adopted December 9, 2025 (Supp. No. 85, Update 1); UDC current through Ordinance No. 110, 2025, adopted October 28, 2025 (Supp. No. 20).

Worth knowing

The single most useful Shreveport fact, and the opposite of what most cities say: the city states that "Normally, the trees in the neutral area, between the sidewalk and the curb, are maintained by the property owner; however, the Forestry section will evaluate a tree and advise the property owner of what type of care needs to be performed."
The city forestry crew exists but its remit is narrow. Public Works describes "a seven-man tree maintenance crew whose responsibility involves removal of dead limbs out of trees that fall within the city right-of-way as well as total removal of dead trees and stumps in city right-of-way, if there is no possibility of saving the tree. Their first goal is to try to save the tree, if possible."
Climbing spikes are banned outright unless the tree cannot be climbed otherwise, and even then you must consent in writing. Code Section 98-27: "It is hereby declared to be unlawful and a misdemeanor for any person engaged in the profession of servicing trees, including but not limited to arborists and public utility firms, to employ the use of climbing spikes in order to climb trees, unless the condition of the tree is such that it is impossible to climb without the use of such devices. If climbing spikes must be utilized, the person seeking to utilize them must first obtain written permission from the owner."
The homeowner exemption is stated expressly, which is unusual and welcome. Code Section 98-28(f)(2) excludes "A landowner or homeowner doing work on his own property, a land surveyor practicing his profession, land clearing operations, forestry operations, and utility companies doing work in emergency situations." Section 98-28(f)(1) also excludes "General yard maintenance personnel cutting limbs no greater than two inches in diameter or within ten feet of ground level under the specific direction and responsibility of the owner of the property."
The city code points directly at state law. Section 98-28(c): "Any person or company cutting, removing, trimming or otherwise performing any type of work on any tree within the city limits shall comply with all requirements set forth in R.S. 3:3801, et seq. and the La. Administrative Code, Title 7, Part XXIX," specifically the required arborist license, signage of vehicles, and maintenance of insurance.
Storm-damaged trees drop out of the UDC article entirely. Section 10.5.G: "Trees severely damaged by storms, or other accidental causes, where required pruning practices are impractical are exempt from this Article."
Utility emergency work has a 48-hour cleanup clock. Section 98-28(f)(2): "all debris generated as the result of emergency or preventative work by a utility company or contractor shall be removed by that entity within 48 hours after initial cutting."
Buffer-yard landscaping in residential districts does not touch houses. UDC Section 10.10.A.1.a requires buffer yards where an R-2, R-3 or R-4 district abuts a lower-density district, then adds: "This does not apply to any single-family - detached or attached, and two-family dwellings."

What we could not confirm

We would rather tell you what we don't know than guess. Call the office below to confirm these before you cut.

— Whether the 30-inch removal permit at UDC Section 10.5.B reaches private property. The sentence itself carries no location limitation, but it sits inside subsection B of a section whose title is limited to "Street Rights-of-Way and Other Public Grounds," and the rest of the subsection is about right-of-way trees. Both readings are stated here rather than resolved. If your tree is 30 inches or larger anywhere near the right-of-way line, call Streets and Drainage at 318-673-6330 before cutting.
— The fee, application form and turnaround for the UDC Section 10.5 tree removal permit. None is published, and UDC Article 25 (Fees) carries no tree entry.
— Which of Public Works and SPAR has jurisdiction over which public trees. Section 10.5.B names both without dividing them.
— Whether the City of Shreveport arborist permit list is published. The city describes the permit process but publishes no roster of registered firms.
— The current phone number and address for the Shreveport-Caddo Metropolitan Planning Commission, which administers the UDC. The MPC website returned a 403 to every request attempted.
— Whether any Shreveport local historic district (Code chapters 36 and 37) adds a tree approval. Those chapters were not read in full.
— The typographical oddities in Section 98-26(b) and Section 98-27 - "ail limbs," a cross reference in Section 98-27 to "section 98-26(b)" where the penalty actually sits at Section 98-29(b) - are reproduced from Municode as printed, not corrected.

Sources

Who to contact in Shreveport

Streets and Drainage Division, Department of Public Works, City of Shreveport - this is where the arborist permit is issued and where the seven-person tree maintenance crew sits. Removal approval on public grounds may also come from Shreveport Public Assembly and Recreation (SPAR). Landscape plans under the UDC go to the Executive Director of the Metropolitan Planning Commission.

Streets and Drainage, including arborist permits: 318-673-6330 (fax 318-673-6339). Public Works Department: 318-673-6300. Public Works Director: 318-673-7600. Official page

Arborist permits are issued at 1935 Claiborne Ave, Shreveport, LA 71103.

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Size threshold

What's protected in Shreveport

Trees in a street right-of-way or on other public grounds. UDC Section 10.5.B: "Trees shall not be removed from a street right-of-way or other public grounds unless approval is received from City Public Works Department or the Shreveport Public Assembly and Recreation Department (SPAR), with the exception that city employees may remove trees when necessary to accomplish emergency repairs to sewer or water systems, or in order to alleviate flooding or other emergencies."

Any tree in a public right-of-way, against damage. UDC Section 10.5.C: "It shall be a violation of this section to damage, destroy or mutilate any tree in a public right-of-way or on other public grounds, or attach or place any rope or wire (other than one to support a young or broken tree or limb), sign, poster, handbill or any other thing to any such tree."

Public trees, against topping. UDC Section 10.5.D: "It shall be unlawful for any person to top or cutback to stubs the crown of any tree in street rights-of-way or on other public grounds."

Private trees that overhang the public way, which become a nuisance if untrimmed. Code Section 98-26(a) declares "Owning or maintaining any trees, shrubs or hedges in violation of this section" a public nuisance, and Section 98-26(b) sets the clearances: "trimmed of ail limbs and foliage to a height of at least seven feet above the sidewalk, and fifteen feet above the street and curb level."

How to apply in Shreveport

1
For a tree on your own private lot there is no city application.
2
For a tree in a street right-of-way or on other public grounds, seek approval from the Public Works Department or SPAR under UDC Section 10.5.B before any work. Call Streets and Drainage at 318-673-6330.
3
If you are hiring a tree service, ask for two things: the state arborist license and the City of Shreveport arborist permit. The city's instruction to arborists is "Bring proof that you are a Licensed Arborist by the State of Louisiana, must be current," in person at 1935 Claiborne Ave, with the 50-dollar non-refundable fee.
4
Decide in writing whether you are keeping the wood. Code Section 98-28(a) makes it a misdemeanor for a tree service to leave logs, limbs and debris behind, but Section 98-28(b) lets the owner assume that obligation "by notifying the person performing such services in writing that he desires to retain the logs, limbs, or other debris for his own personal use." The contractor must keep that notice for at least 30 days.
5
If you are the one hauling brush to the curb, Code Section 74-30 caps limbs at no more than four feet in length and no more than 75 pounds in weight.

Fees, penalties, and the ordinance

Fee

There is no homeowner tree permit and no fee. The fee that exists is the contractor registration: Code Section 98-28(d), "Any arborists operating within the city shall, in addition to obtaining their occupational license, be required to register with the city by obtaining an annual, renewable permit for the non-refundable fee of $50.00. Such permit will be issued through the department of operational services, office of public works, streets and drainage division." No fee is stated anywhere for the UDC Section 10.5 public-grounds tree removal permit.

Penalties

Every penalty in Shreveport's tree article is a misdemeanor capped at 500 dollars per offense, with each day a separate offense. Section 98-29(a) covers an owner who ignores a ten-day trimming notice; Section 98-29(b) covers climbing spikes; Section 98-29(c) covers arborists: "Any person, firm, or corporation operating as an arborist within the city and found to be in violation of any part of chapter 98 may have their city arborist permit revoked immediately and will be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be fined an amount not to exceed $500.00 for each offense... Any person, firm or corporation having their permit so revoked may not apply for another permit for a minimum of one year from the date of revocation." Section 98-29(d) covers improper disposal of the resulting debris.

Ordinance

Shreveport Code of Ordinances chapter 98 (Vegetation), Article II - Trees, Sections 98-26 through 98-29. Ord. No. 185 of 2004, adopted November 30, 2004, "amended article II in its entirety to read as herein set out"; the prior version derived from the Code of 1971, Sections 34 1/2-1 through 34 1/2-3. Tree removal and landscape rules are in the separate Shreveport Unified Development Code, Article 10 - Landscape and Tree Preservation. Section 10.5, which contains the removal permit, was most recently amended by Ord. No. 85, 2024, Section 3, adopted August 13, 2024. Section 10.1 has been amended six times since 2017, most recently by Ord. No. 149, 2024, Section 6, November 8, 2024. Code of Ordinances current through Ordinance No. 150, 2025, adopted December 9, 2025 (Supp. No. 85, Update 1); UDC current through Ordinance No. 110, 2025, adopted October 28, 2025 (Supp. No. 20).

Worth knowing

The single most useful Shreveport fact, and the opposite of what most cities say: the city states that "Normally, the trees in the neutral area, between the sidewalk and the curb, are maintained by the property owner; however, the Forestry section will evaluate a tree and advise the property owner of what type of care needs to be performed."
The city forestry crew exists but its remit is narrow. Public Works describes "a seven-man tree maintenance crew whose responsibility involves removal of dead limbs out of trees that fall within the city right-of-way as well as total removal of dead trees and stumps in city right-of-way, if there is no possibility of saving the tree. Their first goal is to try to save the tree, if possible."
Climbing spikes are banned outright unless the tree cannot be climbed otherwise, and even then you must consent in writing. Code Section 98-27: "It is hereby declared to be unlawful and a misdemeanor for any person engaged in the profession of servicing trees, including but not limited to arborists and public utility firms, to employ the use of climbing spikes in order to climb trees, unless the condition of the tree is such that it is impossible to climb without the use of such devices. If climbing spikes must be utilized, the person seeking to utilize them must first obtain written permission from the owner."
The homeowner exemption is stated expressly, which is unusual and welcome. Code Section 98-28(f)(2) excludes "A landowner or homeowner doing work on his own property, a land surveyor practicing his profession, land clearing operations, forestry operations, and utility companies doing work in emergency situations." Section 98-28(f)(1) also excludes "General yard maintenance personnel cutting limbs no greater than two inches in diameter or within ten feet of ground level under the specific direction and responsibility of the owner of the property."
The city code points directly at state law. Section 98-28(c): "Any person or company cutting, removing, trimming or otherwise performing any type of work on any tree within the city limits shall comply with all requirements set forth in R.S. 3:3801, et seq. and the La. Administrative Code, Title 7, Part XXIX," specifically the required arborist license, signage of vehicles, and maintenance of insurance.
Storm-damaged trees drop out of the UDC article entirely. Section 10.5.G: "Trees severely damaged by storms, or other accidental causes, where required pruning practices are impractical are exempt from this Article."
Utility emergency work has a 48-hour cleanup clock. Section 98-28(f)(2): "all debris generated as the result of emergency or preventative work by a utility company or contractor shall be removed by that entity within 48 hours after initial cutting."
Buffer-yard landscaping in residential districts does not touch houses. UDC Section 10.10.A.1.a requires buffer yards where an R-2, R-3 or R-4 district abuts a lower-density district, then adds: "This does not apply to any single-family - detached or attached, and two-family dwellings."

What we could not confirm

We would rather tell you what we don't know than guess. Call the office below to confirm these before you cut.

— Whether the 30-inch removal permit at UDC Section 10.5.B reaches private property. The sentence itself carries no location limitation, but it sits inside subsection B of a section whose title is limited to "Street Rights-of-Way and Other Public Grounds," and the rest of the subsection is about right-of-way trees. Both readings are stated here rather than resolved. If your tree is 30 inches or larger anywhere near the right-of-way line, call Streets and Drainage at 318-673-6330 before cutting.
— The fee, application form and turnaround for the UDC Section 10.5 tree removal permit. None is published, and UDC Article 25 (Fees) carries no tree entry.
— Which of Public Works and SPAR has jurisdiction over which public trees. Section 10.5.B names both without dividing them.
— Whether the City of Shreveport arborist permit list is published. The city describes the permit process but publishes no roster of registered firms.
— The current phone number and address for the Shreveport-Caddo Metropolitan Planning Commission, which administers the UDC. The MPC website returned a 403 to every request attempted.
— Whether any Shreveport local historic district (Code chapters 36 and 37) adds a tree approval. Those chapters were not read in full.
— The typographical oddities in Section 98-26(b) and Section 98-27 - "ail limbs," a cross reference in Section 98-27 to "section 98-26(b)" where the penalty actually sits at Section 98-29(b) - are reproduced from Municode as printed, not corrected.