What does the Tree Commission do?

The Tree Commission assists the City with ensuring that the urban forest remains intact and is improved over time.  The Commission is tasked with monitoring the removal, maintenance, and planting of trees within the City limits of La Porte on public right-of-way. The full duties and jurisdiction of the Tree Commission can be viewed as port of the City Code here.

The Tree Commission does not monitor trees in parks or within the Downtown Business Improvement District directly because each of these bodies takes care of their own trees.

Why are trees important?

• We want to create a community that is inviting to the people that live or visit and trees are one way to do so.
• Trees create shade which feels great on a hot, sunny summer day, and reduces the "heat island effect" which raises temperatures in urban areas where there is a lot of pavement.
• Trees add value to property.
• Also, and not a small feat, trees allow us to breathe oxygen and cleanse the air.

What kind of trees can be planted in the City public right-of-way?
The complete and updated list of accepted street trees can be found by clicking here.  Deviations from the list of accepted street trees may be accepted with approval.  Contact Tree Commission member and Engineering Project Manager Maggie Dickerson at 219.362.2327 or mdickerson@cityoflaportein.gov with any questions.

As a reminder, the accepted street tree list is only for areas that are considered to public space such as areas between sidewalk and curb (tree lawns) or along public right-of-way.  If you are not sure if a certain area where you would like to plant is a public right-of-way or private property, please contact Maggie Dickerson at 219.362.2327 or mdickerson@citylflaportein.gov for more information.