29-04-2025
Why picking fruit or flowers from someone else's property in Louisiana is considered theft
Now is the time of year when flowers are in bloom and fruits are ripening.
If vegetation or flowers are growing on public property, then its usually permissible to pick it.
However, if you see a bloom or ripe fruit that's not on public property, can you pick it?
In Louisiana, picking fruit or flowers from someone else's property without their permission is generally considered theft.
Even if fruits or flowers are encroaching onto your property, picking is still considered theft.
The flower or fruit's ownership depends on where the trunk or stem is located, therefore, if the trunk or stem is on your neighbor's property, then they own the fruit or flower.
If you are caught picking or taking vegetation from someone else's property then you may be charged with trespassing and/or theft, according to FindLaw.
If the vegetation is on public property, then it's legal to pick it, as there is no written law as to owns it. However, if it's a designated plant or part of a conservation project, then it is not permissible.
This is the case for protected species, designated wildflower areas, or national forests and parks where permits are required to pick vegetation, according to Seedles.
Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Picking fruit from another's property in Louisiana could be theft
