New forestry regulation from the city of Columbus went into effect on Aug. 1, the first time the city's public tree code was updated in 30 years.
The new regulations increase mitigation efforts and require a forestry permit to make changes, such as pruning, planting and removal, to public trees.
“The public tree code has to do with all the trees that grow on city-owned property,” said Columbus City Forester Rosalie Hendon. “(This applies to) street trees and park trees, but also trees around city facilities like police stations or even city hall.”
“If somebody wanted to prune the tree, you know, their street tree in front of their house, or maybe they wanted to plant a street tree or they wanted to remove a tree or a stump,” Hendon added. “Anything that would impact a public tree requires a permit.”
Applying for a permit is free. An arborist will come to inspect the tree to determine what to do next.
The preservation of public trees is a goal outlined in the Urban Forestry Master Plan. The plan also hopes to add more trees to the city, in both public and private areas. The Columbus Recreation and Parks division is partnered with the nonprofit Green Columbus in the plan.
The nonprofit is giving away free trees during the month of October.