These trees may be designated as crucial to the heritage and character of the community. In some cases, rare trees or trees crucial to wildlife habitat are not allowed to be removed, regardless of size. The greatest emphasis should be given to preservation of existing trees. If identified specimen trees are to be removed, establish replacement requirements. Stringent replacement requirements provide incentives to preserve targeted trees.
Most ordinances base the replacement requirement on the size of the removed tree.
The replacement requirement could be a percentage of the diameter of trees removed. The percentage replacement could be related to the minimum size for preservation. If the minimum planting size is 2.5 inches, the developer would plant four replacement trees for the two 15-inch trees removed. The replacement requirement could also be based on the number of trees removed instead of the size of the trees removed. Replacement trees should be of the same species as the ones removed or of a species having the potential for similar size, form and longevity.