The Charlottesville Tree Commission announced a new method for protecting trees important to the Charlottesville community in a Feb. 6 press release. While City Council approved a tree protection ordinance in Nov. 2013, the City of Charlottesville recently approved protection for the first round of trees.
In order to be protected under the ordinance, a tree must fit into one of four categories: heritage trees, memorial trees, specimen trees or street trees. The categories are determined by the tree’s cultural or historical significance, its existence as a commemorative memorial, its notable size or quality for its particular species or its location on private property or street right of way, respectively.
Tree Commission Vice-Chair Paul Josey said he hopes the ordinance will encourage residents to appreciate the benefits trees provide the community.
“For the most part, we’re trying to protect trees from frivolous removal,” he said. “It’s a way for people to be aware of the value of trees on their property and protect them.”
Josey said trees provide many benefits to the Charlottesville community — including a habitat for many species of insects, animals and birds and the ability to collect up to an inch of rainfall — resulting in a more cost efficient city sewer system.
“From a business standpoint, you look at the trees on the Downtown Mall,” he said. “Without trees, outside seating would be unbearably hot. Restaurants are often associated with the canopy above.”
Josey said the places that are most cherished often have big trees, citing specific old trees on Grounds.
“Trees provide a lot of value for places,” he said. “They make property value go up because the property feels older and more established.”
Residents can suggest public trees for nomination or nominate trees on their own property for protection by submitting a form online. The nominated trees will be examined by city officials including the City Council, Tree Commission and City Arborist. If the tree is deemed valuable to the community, any person who attempts to remove the tree could receive civil penalties.
The American Sycamore at Quarry Park, known for having the largest canopy and third-largest trunk circumference in Virginia, is one of the first trees officially protected under the ordinance. City officials will examine nominated trees four times a year.
While nominations will be accepted throughout the year, the deadline for the next round of inspections is Feb 20.
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