2846 24 Tree Ordinance

3/22/24—Accepting Changes from 5/7/24 Meeting and Incorporating Amendments from 5/21/24 Council Meeting mature trees have a "strong or moderate impact" on the salability of homes listed for under $150,000 and on homes listed for over $250,000 this perception increased to 98% (American Forests, Arbor National Mortgage). Healthy, mature trees are said to add an average of 10% to a property's value (USDA Forest Service). “Landscaping, especially with trees, can increase property values as much as 20%." (Management Information Services/ICMA). "The net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to 10 room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day." (U.S. Department of Agriculture). "If you plant a tree today on the west side of your home, in five years your energy bills should be 3% less. In 15 years the savings will be nearly 12%." (Dr. E. Greg McPherson, Center for Urban Forest Research). "Trees properly placed around buildings can reduce air conditioning needs by 30% and can save 20% to 50% in energy used for heating.” (USDA Forest Service). "In laboratory research, visual exposure to settings with trees has produced significant recovery from stress within five minutes, as indicated by changes in blood pressure and muscle tension." (Dr. Roger S. Ulrich, Texas A&M University). c. The purpose of this section is to protect and foster the existence and health of trees growing within the Township's borders, to preserve the maximum possible number of trees in the development of a site or lot; to protect specimen trees; to encourage innovative design and grading to promote the protection of existing trees, and to prevent indiscriminate, uncontrolled and excessive removal and cutting of trees, as well as land use activities inconsistent with accepted arboricultural practices, that contribute to the destruction or result in permanent injury to trees upon lots and tracts within the Township. The standards and procedures established by this chapter are intended to furnish criteria for the use of Township personnel, boards, committees, commissions and officers in evaluating applications involving tree removal for site plan, subdivision and other development approvals. They are further intended to inform those with interests in real property in the Township of the requirements for trees located in the Township. The purpose of this section is to protect

nt approvals. They are further intended to inform those with interests in real property in the Township of the requirements for trees located in the Township. The purpose of this section is to protect trees, the environment, and owners of real property who would be affected adversely by the removal of trees from property belonging to another person. The issuance of permits is a procedure designed to effectuate these goals. In addition, the Tree Replacement Fund in no way relieves the Township from a yearly budgetary allocation dedicated to planting new trees in the Township.