Sample Tree Ordinances
Tree ordinances are most effective when they are tailored to the specific needs, goals, and capacity of the community. Below are two examples of municipal tree ordinances that can be downloaded as templates and edited or combined as needed. Each sample ordinance is reflective of different goals and the policies and practices chosen to achieve them.
Tree Ordinance #1
- Applies to public trees always and private trees in limited circumstances
- Creates a tree board and describes its operation in detail
- Lists the benefits of trees
- Requires Tree City, USA certification, a tree inventory, and a work plan
- Specifies procedures for removal requests
- Lists detailed standards to be used in care of public trees
Tree Ordinance #2
- Applies to public trees with provisions for emergency removals on private property
- Prohibits harm to public trees
- Creates an advisory tree board
- Contains planting and tree care standards
- Specifies responsibility of property owners adjacent to city property
- States the duty of homeowners regarding nuisance trees
