The City’s tree ordinance goes into effect in January 2023. While there are changes for commercial and development projects and properties, there are new requirements for single-family residential properties that will help inform the property owner on ways to preserve trees on their property.
Property owners will be required to submit to the City a Tree Modification Review Form along with bids from a company if they want to remove some trees on their property or conduct major pruning (trimming or pruning or cabling, and any other similar act on branches over 3-inches in diameter or greater). Specifically, a form and bids would need to be submitted for the following types of trees before work can be done:
- Heritage Oaks (oaks that are greater than 33-inches DBH or greater) located anywhere on a single family residential parcel, and
- Any type of tree 24-inches DBH or greater located within 20 feet back of walk (20-feet measured from the back of the sidewalk).
The intent of this requirement is to inform residents of options for tree removal (ultimately to prevent the unnecessary removal of trees and maintain/improve the City’s tree canopy). If removal of the tree is recommended by the contractor, the City is requiring that the resident submit a statement from the contractor stating such (this could be noted on the quote).
The new requirements also state that only those companies that have a City of Woodland business license and an ISA-certified arborist on staff can perform tree work within the City for the types of trees identified above (and regulated under the ordinance).
Preserving and maintaining trees in the City benefits everyone with energy savings, air quality improvements, carbon dioxide reductions, water quality improvements, and benefits to wildlife.
For questions, please contact Christine Engel, Community Services Director at (530) 661-2008.