Most people find out their town’s parkway tree rules after the fact, usually when a company has already cut something. This guide sums up what each town’s own website or code said when we checked on October 28, 2026. Rules change, so call the number listed before work starts. It isn’t legal advice.
Three questions to ask your town
- Who controls the tree? The town, or you?
- Do I need permission to trim it or take it down, and does my company need a local license?
- Who pays, and who hauls the debris?
| Town | Who controls the tree | Hiring your own company | Call first |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crown Point | City (Public Works prunes and removes) | Only after contacting Public Works; city-licensed contractor | Public Works 219-662-3252 |
| Merrillville | Town (Public Works / Parks) | No. Town crews, their designees or NIPSCO line clearance only | Town Public Works |
| Schererville | Homeowner keeps it trimmed (7 ft / 12 ft) | Yes; tree service must be registered with the town | Streets (219) 322-5486 |
| Dyer | Town (Tree Program Supervisor) | With a special permit; firm needs a Dyer tree care license | Dyer Public Works |
| Munster | Town custody; abutting owner maintains | With a town arborist permit; call Public Works first | Public Works 219-836-6970 |
| Hammond | Park Department | With a free tree care permit (none for branches 3 in. or less) | Park Department |
| Hobart | Homeowner maintains easement trees | Removal needs Board of Public Works and Safety permission | Clerk-Treasurer 219-942-1940 |
| Valparaiso | City (Public Works tree crew) | Street Superintendent’s consent; city-licensed contractor | Customer Service (219) 462-6174 |
Town notes
Crown Point
The city prunes and removes parkway trees when Public Works deems it necessary. You can hire your own contractor only after contacting Public Works (219-662-3252), and that contractor must be licensed with the city and haul all brush.
Merrillville
The tree ordinance reserves work on public trees for town crews, their designees and NIPSCO line-clearance arborists. Removed public trees are replaced, and stumps are taken 6 inches below grade.
Schererville
The homeowner keeps parkway trees trimmed to 7 feet over the sidewalk and 12 feet over the street. Public Works picks up branches but doesn’t remove trees, and tree services must register with the town.
Dyer
Every job on a town tree needs a special permit from the Tree Program Supervisor, and firms need a Dyer tree care license. Fines reach $1,000 per tree.
Munster
The town has custody of public trees, the abutting owner handles routine care, and any cutting needs a town arborist permit. The town removes hazardous or more than 50%-dead trees.
Hammond
The Park Department controls public trees. Its tree care permit is free, but the owner pays for a permitted removal, stump included. Branches 3 inches or smaller can be trimmed without a permit.
Hobart
Easement trees are the homeowner’s to maintain with 12 feet of clearance. Removing one needs Board of Public Works and Safety permission (agenda: Clerk-Treasurer, 219-942-1940).
Valparaiso
The Public Works tree crew handles right-of-way trees. Removing or planting a public tree needs the Street Superintendent’s consent, and contractors need a city license and insurance.
If a company offers to “just take care of it”
Ask which permit it will pull and whether it’s licensed or registered in your town. In Dyer, Hammond, Munster and Valparaiso, cutting a public tree without the right permission can bring fines, and in some towns those land on the owner.
Sources
- Crown Point Parkway Tree Maintenance
- Merrillville Ord. 10-23
- Schererville parkway rules
- Schererville branch pickup
- Dyer Code Art. 17
- Munster Ch. 48
- Munster parkway trees
- Hammond Ch. 105 (105.15-16)
- Hammond Ch. 105 (105.18-19)
- Hobart Street Department
- Valparaiso City Trees
- Valparaiso Tree Ordinance
Checked October 28, 2026. Rules change, so confirm with the office named before work starts.