Shreveport Tree Pruning & Memorial Tree Program

Parks and Public Spaces Louisiana 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of Louisiana

Shreveport, Louisiana maintains city rules and operational schedules for municipal tree pruning and offers a Memorial Tree Program through city forestry and parks services. This guide explains the typical pruning schedule, program options for dedicating memorial trees, who enforces tree bylaws, and how residents can apply or report concerns under Shreveport municipal law.

Overview

The city manages street and park trees to protect public safety, infrastructure, and urban canopy health. Responsibilities may be divided between the Forestry Division in Public Works and Parks and Recreation depending on location. For definitive regulatory text, consult the City of Shreveport Code of Ordinances on tree-related provisions and definitions. Shreveport Code of Ordinances[1]

Tree Pruning Schedule

Municipal pruning focuses on public rights-of-way, sightlines, utility clearance and risk reduction. Typical elements of a municipal pruning schedule include risk-based inspections, seasonal pruning windows for street trees, and priority response to storm damage. Private-property pruning is generally the owner’s responsibility except where trees threaten public safety or violate code.

Contact the city before pruning trees in the public right-of-way to confirm responsibility.

Memorial Tree Program

Shreveport’s Memorial Tree Program allows residents to dedicate trees in parks or designated city spaces, subject to site availability and program rules administered by Parks and Recreation or Forestry. Typical program steps include site selection, plaque or donor recognition options, and a planting schedule coordinated by staff.

Memorial trees are placed where maintenance and long-term care can be guaranteed by the city.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of tree-related bylaws is handled by the city department with jurisdiction (Forestry Division, Public Works, or Parks and Recreation). Specific fines, escalation, and non-monetary sanctions depend on the code language and administrative rules.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Escalation for repeat or continuing offences: not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: administrative orders to abate hazards, removal orders, or civil action; specific remedies are not fully detailed on the cited page.[1]
  • Enforcer and reporting: contact Forestry Division or Parks and Recreation via official City of Shreveport channels for inspections and complaints (see Resources below).
  • Appeals and review: procedural appeal routes and time limits are not specified on the cited page; consult the municipal code or contact the enforcing department for deadlines.[1]
If you receive a notice or ticket, follow the instructions and note any appeal deadline immediately.

Applications & Forms

The city may require an application or permit for planting, pruning in the right-of-way, or memorial dedications. Specific form names, numbers, fees, and submission instructions are not specified on the cited page; contact Parks or Forestry for current forms and fee schedules.[1]

Common Violations

  • Pruning or removing a public tree without city approval.
  • Allowing dead or hazardous trees to remain adjacent to public rights-of-way.
  • Unauthorized memorial plantings in non-designated locations.

Action Steps

  • Check the Code of Ordinances to confirm rules and definitions.[1]
  • Contact Forestry or Parks to request a site inspection or apply for a memorial tree.
  • If cited, follow payment or appeal instructions on the notice and document communications.

FAQ

Who maintains trees in the public right-of-way?
The city’s Forestry Division or Parks and Recreation typically maintains trees in public rights-of-way; private owners maintain on private property.
Can I plant a memorial tree in any city park?
Memorial plantings require approval and site availability; contact Parks and Recreation to request placement and learn program rules.
What if a neighbor’s tree is hazardous?
Report hazards to the city for inspection; if the tree violates code or is a public hazard, the city may order abatement.

How-To

  1. Identify the preferred park or public location and desired tree species.
  2. Contact Shreveport Parks and Recreation or Forestry to request a memorial tree and confirm program availability.
  3. Complete any required application or donor form provided by the city and submit payment if applicable.
  4. Coordinate planting dates and plaque or dedication details with city staff; follow maintenance guidance provided by the city.

Key Takeaways

  • Public tree work is regulated; always confirm before pruning or planting.
  • Contact Forestry or Parks for memorial tree requests and inspections.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Shreveport Code of Ordinances

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