Tree Pruning & Right-of-Way Reminder

Spring and early summer can make tree pruning needs and sight line issues really pop.

Before pruning or trimming a tree in Little Flower, make sure you know whether it is located on private property or within the City of Indianapolis right-of-way. The public right-of-way (ROW) includes streets, alleys, parks, and the lawn strip between the sidewalk and street.

ROW can extend several feet beyond the back of sidewalks. Where there are no sidewalks ROW can extend 10 to 15 feet beyond the street edge, according to Paul Pinco, Senior Forestry Analyst for the City of Indianapolis. Pinco advises that where trees are behind but close to sidewalks or within 20 feet of the street edge where there are no sidewalks to check with Urban Forestry to determine if a Flora Permit is required. 

You will need a Flora Permit for any tree planting, pruning, removal, chemical treatment, fertilization or landscaping work within the right-of-way. Tree pruning must be performed by a Certified Arborist after a Flora Permit has been obtained through the Indianapolis Urban Forestry division. For more information or to apply for a Flora Permit, visit https://www.indy.gov/activity/urban-forestry. Please note that the permit application requires the certification number of a certified arborist.

If a tree is creating a sight-line issue for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, or intersections, please report the location and concern to the Mayor's Action Center at (317) 327-4622 or through the Request Indy app. You can also submit requests at this city website https://request.indy.gov/. Sources say using the word “safety” in your request helps speed the process.

If you are unsure whether a tree is in the city right-of-way or on private property, contact the Mayor’s Action Center at (317) 327-4622. An inspector can determine the tree’s location before any work begins.

City Ordinance Chapter 701 is the code which regulates trees in city ROW and other properties and applies to all Indy Neighborhoods and residents. If you landscape, remove or alter trees or plant in a city ROW without securing a Flora Permit you may face civil penalties and stop-work orders.

Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB) has planted many trees in Little Flower in recent years. KIB maintains those trees for 3 years and then they are under the ownership of the city. You can look up trees in the neighborhood at this web page: Mapping Our Work - Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc.

A group of volunteers will continue researching options for tree maintenance and sight line solutions in Little Flower and will provide updates.