Before reviewing your results, verify how your state governs local authority. States follow either Dillon’s Rule, which limits municipalities to powers explicitly granted by the state, or Home Rule, which allows broader local authority unless specifically prohibited by state law. If you’re in a Dillon’s Rule state, your tree ordinance must follow state-enabling legislation. Check your state statutes, municipal league, or community forestry program to confirm your state’s model.
Authority & Credentials
Designation of authority over trees to a specific person, department, board, or committee. Ordinances may also include requirements for specific credentials to be allowed to perform tree work.
Tree Preservation
A system and set of criteria for determining trees that are protected and require mitigation if removed.
Tree Protection During Construction
Standards for protecting trees during construction and development activity.
Mitigation
Requirements to replant trees on-site, off-site, and/or contribute to a mitigation fund to help replace removed trees.
Tree Planting Standards
Specifications for the planting of trees, including standards for tree size, species, soil volume, spacing, and other criteria.
Tree Management
Policies for the maintenance of trees, often including references to industry standards and pest and disease management.
Enforcement
Processes to confirm ordinance compliance and penalties, such as fees and fines, for noncompliance.
FAQs
The Tree City USA program requires communities to have a public tree care ordinance as one of its four core standards. This tool is designed to help communities draft, review, or update local tree ordinances by providing best practices, sample language, and guidance based on national standards.
Anyone involved in community tree management —such as city officials, tree boards, planners, or concerned residents—will find it valuable as they create or improve local tree ordinances.
Yes, the tool includes sample language and examples under each topic area that can be customized to fit your community’s specific needs and goals. Examples are organized as basic, intermediate, and advanced, making it easy to craft an ordinance that’s the right fit for your community.
The tool is aligned with Tree City USA’s four standards, including the requirement for a public tree care ordinance, and offers guidance to help your community meet or maintain Tree City USA recognition. To count toward your Tree City USA application, the ordinance must go into effect by December 31 of the recognition year.
Yes, the tool provides information and examples for ordinances that address trees on both public and private property, including guidance on authority, maintenance, and removal policies.
Visit the Resources tab for additional resources on developing a tree ordinance for your community.
The tool’s Resources tab includes checklists and community assessment worksheets to help you tailor ordinance language and policies to local priorities, legal requirements, and environmental conditions.
No, the Arbor Day Foundation does not require community engagement for an ordinance to count toward Tree City USA certification. However, this tool encourages and provides strategies for community engagement and stakeholder input, which are essential for successful ordinance adoption and implementation.
The Arbor Day Foundation does not provide direct consultations or answer questions for creating customized local ordinances. For expert advice and support, work with your community’s legal counsel, consider hiring a consulting firm, or reaching out to your state forestry office.
Yes, the Arbor Day Foundation provides this tool as a free resource to support healthy and sustainable community forests.