Vermont § 2502 - Tree wardens and preservation of shade trees

§ 2502. Tree wardens and preservation of shade trees

• (a) The tree warden shall control all shade trees within the municipality. (b) The tree warden and the legislative body of the municipality may adopt a shade tree
  preservation plan. The plan shall: (1) describe any program for the planting of new trees and shrubs; (2) provide for the maintenance of shade trees through feeding, pruning, and protection
  from noxious insect and disease pests; (3) determine the apportionment of costs for tree warden services provided to other municipal
  corporations; (4) determine whether tree maintenance or removal on specific municipal property shall
  require the approval of another municipal officer or legislative body; and (5) determine the process, not inconsistent with this chapter, for the removal of: (A) diseased, dying, or dead shade trees; and (B) any shade trees that create a hazard to public safety, impact a disease or insect
  control program, or must be removed to comply with State or federal law or permitting
  requirements. (c) The shade tree preservation plan may: (1) map locations or zones within the municipality where all trees in whole or in part
  within a public way or place shall be designated as shade trees; and (2) designate as a shade tree any tree in whole or in part within a public way, provided
  that the tree warden and legislative body of the municipality find that the tree is
  critical to the cultural, historical, or aesthetic character of the municipality. (d) The tree warden and legislative body of the municipality shall hold a minimum of one
  public hearing concerning the shade tree preservation plan for the purpose of soliciting
  public input. The legislative body shall publish the proposed plan 10 days prior to
  the public hearing. (e) For the purpose of promoting the public health, safety, welfare, and convenience,
  a municipality shall have authority to adopt an ordinance that is not inconsistent
  with this chapter for the administration of the shade tree preservation plan and the
  regulation of shade trees. The tree ordinance shall be adopted pursuant to chapter
  59 of this title. (Amended 1969, No. 238 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 2019, No. 171 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 2020.)