What is that?

• A tree ordinance is a formal long-term policy for dealing properly and effectively with tree care and public policy.

• A tree ordinance sets up permanent procedures and establishes legal authority.
• Not having a tree ordinance is like not having any other ordinance: there is no policy that is consistent, rational, and public.
• The primary goals of a tree ordinance are:
• to establish a permanent and official policy for the community
• to declare standards for selection, planting, maintenance, etc.
• to provide a reasonable basis for dealing with the public
• It is also a powerful tool for defending long-range public interest through such practices as tree preservation, greenspace protection, etc.
  

• Find a copy of existing local code and a sample tree ordinance
  
• It’s a lot easier and a lot more effective to begin with what already exists
• You may have to change both the sample and the code to suit the needs of your community and its trees
• Work with a small group representing various interests
• If the ordinance is to pass, you will need broad support from the start
• Try to include people from local government, park & street maintenance, the tree care profession, utilities, and the general public
• Make the ordinance clear, reasonable, and concise
• If people don’t understand it, they won’t obey it
• Steer between being too rigid and being too loose
• Detailed specifications and standards can be put in a separate document
• Keep the process as public as possible without hampering your work
• The impression of an open and inclusive process will be your best ally
• Negotiation and compromise are the key to resolving some of the issues, because different interest groups often have different opinions
• Follow standard procedures to get the ordinance into law
• Start with the community lawyer, so the process follows legal channels
• When the ordinance is acceptable to all, meet with the mayor or administrator
• Publicize the ordinance widely after it becomes law
• Members of the community need to be made aware of what it says
• Make sure local government, agencies, services, and street supervisers know how to apply it