Tree Pruning and Memorial Program Ordinance - Metairie Terrace

Parks and Public Spaces Louisiana 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 21, 2026 Flag of Louisiana

Metairie Terrace, Louisiana residents and property managers often need guidance on requesting pruning of public trees and on memorial tree programs on parish property. This article explains who enforces rules, how to submit requests, what forms or permits may be needed, and practical timelines for action in Metairie Terrace. It summarizes the applicable Jefferson Parish code and departmental procedures so you can act promptly and document requests correctly. For official ordinance text and departmental program pages see the Jefferson Parish resources cited below. Jefferson Parish Code of Ordinances[1] and the Parks & Recreation program page Parks & Recreation[2].

Contact the parish before pruning to confirm whether the tree is in the public right-of-way.

Penalties & Enforcement

Rules governing pruning, removal, and memorial plantings on public property are controlled at the Jefferson Parish level. Detailed penalty amounts and escalation steps are not clearly listed on the consolidated ordinance pages; where numeric fines or schedules are not shown below, the cited official page does not specify them. Enforcement responsibility is shared between Jefferson Parish departments such as Parks & Recreation and Public Works; complaints and service requests are routed via the parish reporting portal. Report a Concern / Service Request[3]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; see the Jefferson Parish Code of Ordinances for any numeric schedules.[1]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: administrative orders to stop work, mandatory remediation, and removal orders are used by the parish where authorized by ordinance.
  • Enforcer and complaints: Jefferson Parish Parks & Recreation and Public Works accept reports and inspect trees through the parish service request portal.[3]
  • Appeals and review: specific appeal channels and time limits are not specified on the cited ordinance page; contact the enforcing department for appeal procedures and deadlines.[1]
If work is done on public trees without authorization you may be required to remediate or face enforcement action.

Applications & Forms

The parish maintains forms and program details on departmental pages. For memorial tree donations or plaques, check the Parks & Recreation program information; if a dedicated application or fee is used, it will be published there. If no form is listed on the official page, then a specific form or fee is not specified on the cited page.[2]

  • Memorial tree application: see Parks & Recreation for program details and any published application or donation form.[2]
  • Pruning or ROW permit: check the Code of Ordinances for permit requirements; specific permit numbers or forms are not specified on the consolidated code page.[1]

How to Request Tree Pruning or a Memorial Tree

  1. Document the tree location with address and photos and note whether the tree is in the public right-of-way or on private property.
  2. Contact Jefferson Parish Parks & Recreation for memorial program details and to request any donation or plaque forms.[2]
  3. Submit a service request or report a concern to Public Works or the parish portal for pruning requests and safety hazards.[3]
  4. Keep records of submission dates and note any inspection appointments or scheduled work.
  5. If you receive an enforcement notice, follow appeal instructions in that notice or contact the issuing department promptly to learn deadlines and review options.

FAQ

Who is responsible for pruning street trees in Metairie Terrace?
The parish (Jefferson Parish departments such as Parks & Recreation and Public Works) is responsible for trees in the public right-of-way; private trees are the owners responsibility. See the Code of Ordinances for jurisdictional rules.[1]
Can I donate a memorial tree or plaque?
Jefferson Parish publishes memorial program details through Parks & Recreation; check the departmental program page for how to apply and any fees.[2]
How do I report a hazardous tree?
Use the parishs Report a Concern or service request portal to report hazardous trees and request inspections.[3]

How-To

  1. Identify the tree location and take clear photos showing the issue and nearby address.
  2. Visit the Jefferson Parish Parks & Recreation program page to review memorial tree rules and any application requirements.[2]
  3. Open a service request on the parish Report a Concern page for pruning or hazard removal and attach photos.[3]
  4. Track the request number, attend any scheduled inspections, and follow up with the department if there is no response within the parishs typical service timeframe.
  5. If you are cited for unauthorized work, contact the issuing department immediately to learn appeal rights and deadlines.

Key Takeaways

  • Always confirm whether a tree is in the public right-of-way before arranging pruning.
  • Memorial tree programs are handled by Parks & Recreation; check the department page for application details.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Jefferson Parish Code of Ordinances - Tree and right-of-way provisions
  2. [2] Jefferson Parish Parks & Recreation - memorial tree program and park services
  3. [3] Jefferson Parish Report a Concern / Service Request portal

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