Urban Forestry
Tree Lists for
Lafayette Tree Ordinance
Approved Shade Trees A & B and Alternate Trees
In our Related Pages section (at the bottom of this page) are lists of acceptable trees for planting, titled Approved Shade Trees A&B and Alternate Small Trees. The trees on these lists have been proven adaptable to and suitable for urban conditions in Lafayette.
- The Approved Shade Trees list is broken down into two categories A & B. The A list are those trees best suited for street or parking lot trees. The B list contains trees that can be used as street or parking lot trees but have some limitations due to fruit, space and insect issues (Ash).
- The Alternate Small Trees list contain trees that are smaller and more suitable for planting under power lines and in areas that have restricted space.
Prohibited Trees List
Also, a list of Prohibited Trees is provided. The trees on this list may not be utilized as street or parking lot trees required by the Lafayette Tree Ordinance. These tree species have proven undesirable characteristics such as being weak wooded, litter, insect and disease, poor form, visibility obstructions and hardiness.
Right Tree for the Right Place
When picking a tree for your project, consider the physical conditions of your planting site. Consider the soil type, drainage patterns, and space available. Are there obstructions such as fire hydrants, light poles and water meters? Are there utilities above and/or below ground? If there are overhead power lines, trees that have a limited height growth should be picked from the Alternate Trees list. Picking the appropriate tree for the site will assure a longer life for the tree.
Tippecanoe County Big Tree Registry
The Lafayette Tree Advisory Committee is starting a search for the biggest trees in Tippecanoe County. These are trees that have withstood the trials of time. It is our hope this search will increase awareness of how valuable trees are to the ecosystem. We hope also, that the search will encourage citizens to become more involved with preserving trees in the urban forest as well as wooded areas in Tippecanoe County. According to the National Arbor Day Foundation, a tree over a 50 year period will generate $31,250 worth of oxygen, provide $62,000 worth of air pollution control, and recycle $37,500 worth of water.