Tree Removal Permits in Shreveport and Bossier City, Louisiana

Last reviewed October 20, 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.

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For an ordinary tree located entirely on private residential property, a separate city tree-removal permit may not be required—but the official city pages reviewed do not establish a blanket exemption for every property or project. If the tree is in a street right-of-way, neutral ground, utility corridor, protected development area, or another public space, contact the city before cutting it. Shreveport residents can call Streets & Drainage at 318-673-6330. Bossier City residents can call Permits & Inspections at 318-741-8571 or Public Works at 318-741-8402.

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The short answer depends on where the tree stands

The most important question is not simply whether you own the adjoining lot. It is whether the entire tree is actually within your private property boundaries.

Trees near a curb, sidewalk, drainage ditch, alley, street, utility line, or neighborhood entrance may stand within a public right-of-way or another restricted area. Property lines do not always end where a lawn appears to end. Before approving removal, a licensed arborist may need to inspect the location and determine whether city or utility clearance is required.

Rules can also differ for commercial sites, new developments, properties governed by subdivision landscaping plans, and work connected to grading or construction. When the location is uncertain, call the appropriate city department before anyone cuts the tree.

Private-property trees in Shreveport

The City of Shreveport’s Streets & Drainage page explains how arborists must operate within the city. It says arborists working in Shreveport must hold an occupational license and obtain an annual city arborist permit through Public Works–Streets & Drainage. The contractor must also show proof of a current Louisiana arborist license.

That is a permit for the arborist operating a tree-service business—not clear evidence that every homeowner needs an individual permit for every private-property tree removal.

The official page reviewed does not provide a simple, universal statement saying that all private residential trees can be removed without city review. Conditions involving zoning, development approvals, historic or special properties, drainage, utilities, or a disputed right-of-way could change the answer.

For a tree clearly inside a typical residential lot, ask your arborist whether any site-specific approval applies. If there is doubt, call Shreveport Streets & Drainage at 318-673-6330 before scheduling removal.

Shreveport rights-of-way and public trees

Shreveport distinguishes private trees from trees associated with city rights-of-way. Its Streets & Drainage page says the Forestry section handles dead limbs and, when a tree cannot be saved, removal of dead trees and stumps within city rights-of-way.

The city also says trees in the neutral area between the sidewalk and curb are normally maintained by the adjoining property owner. However, the Forestry section will evaluate such a tree and advise the owner about the care it needs. That does not mean the owner should remove a neutral-ground tree without contacting the city.

If a trunk is between the sidewalk and curb, beside a drainage ditch, in a median, or close to the street boundary, pause the project and call 318-673-6330. Ask the city to confirm:

• Whether the tree is in the public right-of-way
• Whether the city must inspect it
• Whether removal is allowed
• Whether the contractor needs additional authorization
• Who is responsible for the stump and debris

Do not assume that maintaining the grass around a tree gives you authority to remove the tree.

Private-property trees in Bossier City

Bossier City’s published Commercial & Residential Permits page lists many construction permits, including permits for driveways, fences, additions, pools, signs, and accessory buildings. The official pages reviewed did not provide a definitive general rule for removing an ordinary tree on private residential property.

That means it would be misleading to promise that a permit is never required.

Before removing a large tree, especially one near a road, sidewalk, drainage feature, utility line, commercial site, or development landscaping area, call Bossier City Permits & Inspections at 318-741-8571. Describe the property address and exact tree location. The division can tell you whether the proposed work involves a city permit, zoning condition, inspection, or referral to another department.

Bossier City rights-of-way and public trees

Do not remove or heavily prune a tree that may be on Bossier City property without city confirmation. The Bossier City Public Works page provides a main contact number of 318-741-8402.

Call Public Works when a tree appears to be within a street right-of-way, beside public drainage infrastructure, in a median, or on other city-maintained land. For uncertain property boundaries or permit questions, also contact Permits & Inspections at 318-741-8571.

If overhead conductors are involved, do not let an ordinary tree crew work inside an unsafe utility clearance. Contact the utility first. Louisiana separately licenses professionals who recommend or perform tree removal along utility rights-of-way.

Louisiana requires an Arborist License

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry states that an Arborist License is required for people who perform tree work for a fee, including tree removal, pruning, trimming, cabling, fertilization, and cavity work. Utility right-of-way tree work requires the appropriate Utility Arborist License.

Before hiring anyone, ask for:

• The individual arborist’s current Louisiana license information
• Proof of general liability insurance
• Workers’ compensation information when applicable
• A written scope describing removal, stump work, cleanup, and payment
• Clarification about who will obtain any required city approval

LDAF publishes a list of licensed arborists and provides licensing assistance through its Horticulture Commission at 225-952-8100. A business name, truck, advertisement, or low quote is not proof that the person supervising the work is properly licensed.

Before you schedule removal

First, identify the trunk’s location in relation to the property line, sidewalk, curb, ditch, and utilities. Then photograph the tree and nearby structures. Ask a Louisiana-licensed arborist whether removal is necessary or whether pruning, cabling, or monitoring is a reasonable alternative.

If the tree is unstable, storm-damaged, or threatening a structure, see our emergency tree removal guide. If the tree has already fallen across a property line, read who pays when a neighbor’s tree falls in Louisiana.

For budgeting help, review tree removal costs in Shreveport. Red River Tree Removal is a referral site: we connect homeowners with local licensed arborists rather than representing that Red River performs the tree work itself. To request introductions and compare availability, ask for a quote.