City of West Lafayette, Indiana

Within the Parks and Recreation Department, the Community Forestry and Greenspace division oversees the planting and maintenance of trees on city property and public right-of-ways. The division reviews and administers City Code Chapter 10 - Trees and Landscape in partnership with the West Lafayette Tree Friends. The division provides free street tree replacements through the Operation Releaf tree planting program. The City of West Lafayette has been recognized as Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation since 1991, proving our dedication to grow and protect our urban forest.

Responsibilities of the Community Forestry and Greenspace Division

• Complete street tree and landscape inspection requests
• Coordinate tree planting, pruning, and removal needs for street trees and trees on city property
• Manage the street tree inventory database
• Update the Urban Forest Management Plan
• Manage the City’s Tree City USA program, an Arbor Day Foundation initiative
• Provide staff support for the West Lafayette Tree Friends
• Perform plan reviews for landscape compliance for city projects residential, and commercial developments
• Administer the Urban Landscape Stewardship Program
• Manage right-of-ways landscape maintenance

Plan Reviews for Trees and Landscape Ordinance Compliance for Development:

New construction and improvement projects adhere to a percentage of trees and greenspace requirements per city code. Builders and developers will find West Lafayette Typical Construction Guidelines and Details on the City Engineer’s page. For trees and greenspace compliance for your project or to schedule a landscape inspection for your project, contact the Community Forestry and Greenspace Manager.

Tree Inspections and Removal Requests:

To schedule a landscape inspection, street tree inspection, or report concerns of the health of a street/park tree, contact the Community Forestry and Greenspace Manager. Inspections are scheduled based on priority and public safety risk. Once inspected, next steps will be communicated to the property owner. If removal is required, trees will be processed by the City, or its contractors, based on priority and public safety risk.

Property owners may hire a private service provider to plant or remove a tree. A Tree Work Permit is required before the contracted work can begin and must be submitted to the Community Forestry and Greenspace Manager for review and approval. Permit approval is required before being conducted to avoid fines. Contact the Community Forestry and Greenspace Manager for more information.

Chapter 10 - Trees and Landscape in City Code: Click here.  

Street Tree Inventory: TreePlotter PARKS

Approved Street Tree Table: Click here.

Operation Re-Leaf Street Tree Application: Click here.

West Lafayette Tree Manual: Click here. 

Community Forestry Management Plan: Coming soon!

Find a Certified Arborist: Click here.