Tree ordinances

image of urban forest
The urban forest provides a wide variety of benefits. Increasingly, ordinances and master plans are being developed to protect and enhance the urban forest.

A tree ordinance is a tool to help protect and manage a community’s trees. It can be designed to regulate various aspects of tree planting, removal, and maintenance on public and private property within a municipality. For more general information on tree ordinances, link here: [1], [2], or [3].

Urban forest management master plans

An urban forest master plan provides a road map for managing trees and the tree canopy in an urban area. The master plan typically includes detailed information, recommendations, and resources needed to manage an urban forest. An important component of a good forest master plan is engaging citizens and other stakeholders in the value and care of the urban forest.

A master plan may contain some or all of the following elements.

  • Need and authorization, such as the need for ordinances
  • Background information, such as historical and current condition of urban forest
  • Public participation process
  • Urban forest functions and benefits
  • Urban forest vision
  • Urban forest goals and objectives
  • Implementation strategies
  • Implementation and phasing
  • Monitoring and protection strategy
  • Limitations

Example master plans are found at the following links.

This page was last edited on 26 January 2023, at 10:54.