Protected trees
All public (city) trees are protected. The city pages we checked do not list protected species or trunk sizes for trees on private property.
Tree permits · Louisiana
Do you need a tree removal permit in New Orleans, LA?
Street trees
Parks and Parkways maintains city trees, including trees on neutral grounds, in parks and between the sidewalk and the street. A Tree Maintenance Work Permit is required to do any work on a city tree.
Dead or hazardous trees
We could not confirm this from an official New Orleans source. Call the city to check.
How to apply
A Louisiana-licensed arborist applies by emailing forestry@nola.gov with a written contract listing the services and property address, a copy of their current Louisiana arborist license, and an insurance certificate naming the City of New Orleans as certificate holder. The permit is free and lasts 60 days. Requests for city tree service go through 311 (online or (504) 658-3200). For a city tree emergency after 5 p.m., the city says to call 911.
HOA note
HOA rules can be stricter; check yours.
A city permit does not override your HOA. Check your covenants before work starts.
Official sources
- City of New Orleans, Parks and Parkways: Trees
- City of New Orleans: Tree Protection Ordinance (status and final text)
- City of New Orleans: Ordinance amending Chapter 106, Article IV, Protection of Vegetation (final, PDF)
- City of New Orleans: Tree Maintenance Work Permit
Last checked 26 October 2026. Rules change; check the official source before work starts. Short explanation, not legal advice. Spotted a change? See our corrections page.
For homeowners
Before a tree comes down in New Orleans
- Check the city rule above and call the city if anything is unclear.
- Ask the tree company who gets the permit and put it in the written quote.
- Get two or three written quotes from local insured pros.
- Never cut near power lines. Call the utility for downed lines and 911 if anyone is in danger.
- Tree permits: what to ask
- How to hire a tree service
- Tree care in Louisiana
- Louisiana tree service rules
Find local pros on Google Maps and read their reviews. Lirevon does not do tree work and does not list or rank tree companies.
Own a tree service in New Orleans?
Permit questions mean calls. Answer every one.
Missed-call text-back, lead follow-up, online booking and review requests, set up for tree companies. Link this page in your quotes so customers know the rules.
More tree permits in Louisiana
New Orleans tree permit questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in New Orleans, LA?
We found no city-wide permit rule for private trees in New Orleans. Street trees, protected sites and county or HOA rules can still apply. New Orleans protects city trees, meaning public trees, under Chapter 106, Article IV of the city code (final ordinance approved by the City Council on March 27, 2025). A Tree Maintenance Work Permit is required to do any work on a city tree, and the permit is free. The city pages we checked do not address tree work on private lots. Our confidence: medium. Short explanation, not legal advice.
Which trees are protected in New Orleans?
All public (city) trees are protected. The city pages we checked do not list protected species or trunk sizes for trees on private property.
Can I remove or prune a street tree in front of my house in New Orleans?
Parks and Parkways maintains city trees, including trees on neutral grounds, in parks and between the sidewalk and the street. A Tree Maintenance Work Permit is required to do any work on a city tree.
How do I apply for a tree permit in New Orleans?
A Louisiana-licensed arborist applies by emailing forestry@nola.gov with a written contract listing the services and property address, a copy of their current Louisiana arborist license, and an insurance certificate naming the City of New Orleans as certificate holder. The permit is free and lasts 60 days. Requests for city tree service go through 311 (online or (504) 658-3200). For a city tree emergency after 5 p.m., the city says to call 911.
Do HOA rules matter for tree removal in New Orleans?
HOA rules can be stricter; check yours. Read your HOA covenants or ask the board before work starts.
What should I have ready before I call the city?
Your address, the tree species if you know it, the trunk width measured about 4.5 feet above the ground, photos of the whole tree, and whether it is near the street, a sidewalk or a power line. Ask if a permit is needed and how long it takes.
Will the tree company get the permit for me?
Some do and some do not. Ask before you sign, and get it in writing who applies and who pays the fee. In many places the property owner is the one responsible for following the rules.
Is this page legal advice?
No. It is a short, plain summary of public rules with links to the official sources. For a firm answer on your property, ask the city or a local attorney.
How current is this New Orleans information?
We last checked it on 26 October 2026 against the official sources listed on this page. City rules change, so check the official source or call the city before work starts.
Can county or state rules apply in New Orleans too?
Yes, they can. County rules, state rules for things like wetlands or protected species, and utility rules near power lines can apply on top of city rules. If your property is outside city limits, the county rules usually apply instead. Ask the city or county office.
Short explanation, not legal advice. Last checked 26 October 2026.