How to Write a Municipal Tree Ordinance

At the heart of the Tree City USA program are four basic requirements:

The community must have (1) a tree board or department, (2) an annual community forestry program backed by the expenditure of at least $2 per capita for trees and tree care, (3) an annual Arbor Day proclamation and observance, and (4) a tree care ordinance.

In this issue of Tree City USA Bulletin, sections of a model ordinance are presented, explained, and illustrated with actual examples. Not every section will be appropriate to all communities, and there are others in use that are not included in this general coverage of the topic.

The purpose of this issue is to encourage all citizens to support their town having an appropriate, current tree ordinance and to provide a starting point for thousands of communities to create or enhance an existing ordinance. Although an ordinance is only as good as the administrative program that backs it up — including support for education and, when necessary, enforcement — a municipal tree ordinance and involvement in the Tree City USA program are giant strides in the direction of healthier urban trees and a quality environment.