§ 221-19. Replacement of Town trees.

A. 

Town trees to be removed shall be replaced, subject to approval of a plan detailing the species and location, by the entities with jurisdiction listed in § 221-18 above. In the event that the tree replacement plan is in dispute, the following methods for assessing replacement shall apply:

(1) 

The value of a public tree being removed shall be assessed by the Tree Warden based upon standards in the industry, and the costs assessed to the applicant. Such costs shall be placed in an account dedicated to the replacement planting of trees along the Town's roadways. In evaluating tree value, the applicant for tree removal may submit information based upon the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers, trunk formula method, or other nationally recognized methodology. Alternatively, the approving entities listed in § 221-18 above may require the replanting of street trees of equivalent value to the tree being removed.

(2) 

Where a Town tree is being removed for safety reasons and the value of the tree being removed has been reduced by previous damage or trimming, the tree shall be replaced with a minimum of two street trees, or the value thereof placed into an account dedicated to tree replacement.

(3) 

Any planned program of tree removal shall be subject to a tree replacement program, specifying the numbers, location, type and size of trees to be installed, and a maintenance program. Where a general area program of Town tree removal is planned, the approving entities listed in § 221-18 above may require implementation of the tree replacement program at least three growing seasons prior to commencement of the tree removal program.

B. 

All replacement trees shall have a minimum caliper of three inches, unless a lesser caliper is approved for a smaller size class.

C. 

Abutting property owners may plant street trees within the road layout, provided that the Tree Warden grants approval and that the selection and location of said trees are in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.