Have you noticed any particular trees in our neighborhood — or anywhere in the city for that matter — that you would really hate to see taken down for anything less than very good cause? Well, it turns out there’s actually something you can do. The Tree Conservation Ordinance (.pdf) allows ANYONE to nominate specific individual trees for additional protections. Trees may be nominated in one of four categories:

• Heritage tree — any tree that is believed to have a notable historic or cultural interest.
• Memorial tree — any tree that is a special commemorating memorial.
• Specimen tree — any tree that is believed to be notable by virtue of its outstanding size and quality for its particular species.
• Street tree — any tree that is believed to grow in the street right-of-way or on private property as authorized by the owner and placed or planted there by the local government.

Again, anyone may nominate a tree on private property, but if the tree is not nominated by the property owner, the nomination must include written consent of the property owner. Only the Tree Commission may nominate trees on City property.

Use this Tree Conservation Nomination Form (.pdf) to nominate the trees you love. The Tree Commission reviews nominations and, if they agree, will provide a written report and recommendation to City Council to designate the tree for conservation.