Tree Trimming and Removal

The Department of Parks and Parkways is responsible for the maintenance of city trees. These are the trees on public property such as neutral grounds, parks and those trees between the sidewalk and the street. The Department responds to requests for tree removal, tree trimming and stump removal. The Department places primary importance on the issues of public safety and prioritizes its work accordingly. Citizens have the option of hiring an arborist and paying to have work done to a city tree in front of their property. This work must be done by a Louisiana licensed and insured arborist and requires a written permit from the Department of Parks and Parkways. The arborist must obtain the free permit. A non-comprehensive list of qualified arborists is available. Stumps may be removed without a permit but should be done only by a licensed contractor with insurance to protect the homeowner in case of accidents. The Department of Public Works has determined that the repair of sidewalks is the respnsiblity of the adjacent property owner. You may contact them at (504) 658-8000. A sidewalk bridging detail, (download here), is available which will allow the citizen to repair the sidewalk while accommodating the roots of the tree and minimizing the need for future repairs. Contact us for more information, to report a city tree problem, or to request pruning or removal.

To report a City Tree Emergency after office hours (8:00 am to 5 pm) call the City of New Orleans Emergency number – dial 911.

Debris

Do not place debris on neutral grounds. It is illegal, unsightly and it makes maintenance and restoration of neutral grounds more difficult. To request debris pick-up in front of your property, call your local sanitation provider or the Department of Sanitation at 658-8300.

Tree Planting

As the Department strives to “re-green” our city, many citizens may wish to plant street trees adjacent to their property.Visit our Tree Planting Guide pagewhich includes the process for obtaining a permit andlists of suggested trees and planting guidelines. Also, to restore our grand boulevards, the Department has developed master plans and has obtained funding to replant neutral grounds devastated by the hurricane.

Parks and Neutral Grounds

The Department is responsible for maintaining city-owned greenspace which includes neutral grounds and most parks including Jackson Square, Washington Square, Mississippi River Heritage Park, Brechtel Park, and Armstrong Park. Due to the storm and subsequent budget reductions, not all of our parks and neutral grounds may be maintained to their pre-Katrina levels.

We appreciate citizen help in the maintenance and re-greening efforts. To adopt a neutral ground, please call Parkway Partners (504) 620-2224 or visit their website at www.parkwaypartners.com.

Temporary Signs

The placement of temporary signs of any sort on neutral grounds is illegal and therefore not allowed

Park Rental Information and Booking

The Department rents parks to the public where possible and appropriate. Please call our main contact number 658.3200 for more information or download one of the forms below:

• Guidelines for Photography for all Professional, Staged, Planned, Formal Sessions Content
• Guidelines for Weddings performed in Jackson Square
• Jackson Square Booking Request for Weddings 
• General Booking Request Form: This request form is for all parks and neutral grounds other than Jackson Square.

Now Hiring

Jobs are available with our forestry and grounds maintenance crews. For more information, call our Human Resources department at (504) 658-3202. Be a part of the rebuilding effort!

Design and Construction Industry Information