Cities and towns, like Albany, Georgia put ordinances in place to keep the city safe, smart and appealing to residents and future residents.
When you have an ordinance, like a tree ordinance, it creates uniformity for the city. This is important not only for visual appeal but also for the safety and security of the city too.
There are a variety of tree ordinances in Albany. These range from tree trimming, tree pruning to the type of trees that’re allowed. Read on to learn more.
Tree Size
First, there is an ordinance relating to the size of the trees that are planted on city streets and then how those trees should get spaced. The trees are categorized into three size categories including:
- Small trees (under 30 feet)
- Medium trees (30 to 50 feet)
- Large trees (over 50 feet)
There is also a list of trees that are prohibited from planting.
Tree Spacing
The city also has ordinances relating to the distance from the curb and sidewalk for tree planting. The ordinances for spacing connect to the actual size of the tree. The ordinances require a minimum width of the planting strips for a tree. These requirements are as follows:
- Small trees must be 3 feet
- Medium trees must be 5 feet
- Large trees must be 8 feet
There are rules for how close to a corner or a fire hydrant tree can be planted too.
Private Tree Policy for Utilities
The city allows for private utilities to come in and do tree pruning on private property for the purpose of maintaining their utility services. They must use proper arboricultural practices as they do the pruning and trimming.
Any tree that overhangs the street and causes interference with a light, pole, wire, cable, appliance, or apparatus gets trimmed with the proper city permits. The city does require the utility to provide a written, printed, or verbal notice to the owner of their intent to prune.
Heritage Trees
The city has the authority to designate a tree as a heritage tree because it holds significance to the community. The goal of naming a heritage tree is to recognize, foster an appreciation of, and protect trees of importance.
Once a tree gets named as a heritage tree it remains with that classification, unless the tree becomes dangerous.
Dangerous Tree Removal
If there is a dangerous tree in the city, even on private property, the city can require tree services to come in for tree removal. The city wants to protect residents and property from a tree that poses danger by falling. A tree that is hazardous to life and property, or harbors insects or diseases will need to get removed.
If a tree is on private property, the city manager or their designee can notify in writing about the danger to the resident. The owner has 30 days to prune or remove the dangerous tree from the date of the notice.
Tree Ordinance Requirements for Albany
The tree ordinance requirements for the City of Albany are intended to keep the city safe, uniform, and appealing.
If you need tree services on your trees because of a city ordinance notice, we can help. Contact us today about your tree service needs.
