Midwest region
Tree removal and tree care in Indiana
Indiana's biggest tree problem for two decades has been emerald ash borer, first found in the state on April 21, 2004; dead ash are now one of the most common removals. Spring and summer storms, including tornadoes and derechos, and winter ice cause the emergencies. Utilities trim around lines on a cycle, and cities like Indianapolis require a permit for work on right-of-way trees.
City guides in Indiana
Ash was a favorite street and yard tree across Indiana before emerald ash borer arrived. Since the beetle was confirmed in the state in April 2004, it has spread across most counties, largely through moved firewood. Untreated ash in yards are now mostly dead or gone, and the dead ones still standing are brittle and unpredictable.
Indiana sits in the path of severe spring and summer storms, with tornadoes, derechos and straight-line winds bringing down silver maples, cottonwoods and dead ash. Winter ice storms add weight to limbs over lines and driveways. Utilities like AES Indiana prune trees along their lines on a routine cycle using directional pruning that guides regrowth away from the wires.
Reviewed and updated
Ash borer, storms and ice in Indiana
Emerald ash borer
Confirmed in Indiana in April 2004; untreated ash are mostly dead or declining.
Severe storms and tornadoes
Spring and summer storms snap and uproot trees statewide.
Ice storms
Freezing rain breaks limbs over lines, driveways and roofs.
Utility line clearance
Trees along lines are pruned on a cycle; trees too close may be removed.
Indiana services by risk
For ash killed by emerald ash borer.
After tornadoes, derechos and ice.
For silver maples over roofs and lines.
After removal; call Indiana 811 first.
Indianapolis, the north and the south
- Central Indiana and Indianapolis have dense neighborhoods with mature street trees and many ash removals.
- Northern Indiana sees lake-effect snow and ice near Lake Michigan.
- Southern Indiana's hills are more wooded, with big oaks and tulip poplars on steeper lots.
Indiana's ash, maples, oaks and pears
- Ash
- Mostly killed by emerald ash borer unless treated
- Silver maple
- Fast-growing and brittle; frequent storm breakage
- Sugar and red maple
- Common shade trees
- Oaks and tulip poplar
- Indiana's big native hardwoods; tulip poplar is the state tree
- Callery pear
- Splits at weak forks and spreads invasively
Indianapolis guidance
The Indianapolis guide covers the city's permits for any work on right-of-way trees, how to deal with dead ash before they turn brittle, AES Indiana's trimming cycle, and the storms that bring down silver maples.
Right-of-way permits, ash losses and storms.
Indiana's seasons for tree work
Spring and summer storms cause most emergencies; winter is the best time to remove dead ash on your schedule.
- Spring
- Severe storms and tornadoes
- Summer
- Derechos and straight-line winds
- Winter
- Ice storms; good season for planned removals of dead ash
Indiana tree rules
- Indiana has no statewide permit for removing trees on private residential lots.
- In Indianapolis, work on trees in the public right-of-way (the strip between street and sidewalk) requires a permit, and street trees can't be removed without one.
- AES Indiana prunes trees along its lines on a routine cycle; logs over four inches in diameter are generally left for the property owner.
Sources (checked 2026-10-03)
Rules change and details depend on your exact property. Confirm with the city or county before work starts. This isn't legal advice.
Indiana tree questions
When did emerald ash borer reach Indiana?
It was first discovered in Indiana on April 21, 2004, and has since spread across most of the state, largely through moved firewood.
Should I remove a dead ash tree in Indiana?
Yes, if it can reach a house, driveway, road or neighbor's property. Dead ash become brittle quickly and drop limbs or fail without warning.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Indiana?
Not statewide for private residential trees. Right-of-way trees in cities like Indianapolis need a permit.
Will AES Indiana trim trees near my power lines?
AES Indiana prunes trees along its lines on a routine cycle and generally leaves larger logs for the property owner. The service line to your house may be your responsibility; ask the utility.
What trees break most in Indiana storms?
Silver maples, cottonwoods, dead ash and Callery pears are frequent failures.
When is the best time to remove trees in Indiana?
Winter is good for planned removals: frozen ground and open schedules. Dead trees near structures should come down sooner.
Need tree help in Indiana?
Call to speak with a local tree-service provider about removal, trimming, stumps or storm damage. Describe the tree and what it's near, and they'll explain the next step.