Columbus Tree Subcommission

This chapter establishes policies and standards necessary to protect, maintain, and grow Columbus’ public trees, a critical part of the city’s infrastructure. This chapter regulates trees on public property but recognizes that trees on private property are part of Columbus’ collective urban forest. The intent of this chapter is to protect, preserve, and grow Columbus’ public tree canopy and support its management by 1) Recognizing trees and the urban forest as a valuable and necessary city asset which is treated as an equal utility and service to the public; and 2) Establishing and enforcing standards to properly plant, maintain, and protect public trees and maximize the benefits the urban forest provides to Columbus (i.e.. air filtration, flood reduction, soil stabilization, biodiversity, improving property values, etc.).