Tree Ordinance

The City of Bangor has adopted a Tree Ordinance as laid out in Part II Chapter 248 of the City’s Code. This ordinance governs operations and treatment of publicly owned trees including the management of dangerous trees and branches by city employees and residents, shade trees, and public tree programs.

The following are highlights of the City’s Tree Ordinance:

  • Private property owners are responsible for caring for and maintaining trees growing on their private property so that they do not pose a risk to public safety or infrastructure. Private trees can be deemed a nuisance by the City Forest Manager if they are not in compliance with safety standards, and the private property owner can be asked to manage or remove these trees so that they comply.
  • The Forestry Division is responsible for managing all publicly owned shade trees along streets, in public parks, etc. Private citizens are not permitted to cut, trim, deface (including the posting of signs), or in any way injure a publicly owned shade tree without written permission from the Public Works Director. Damage or management done to a tree without permission is subject to a fine of up to $500, and if a tree is removed or destroyed then the person responsible must make a restitution payment to the City equal to the replacement value of the tree.
  • The City must have a Tree Board that works in conjunction with the City Forest Manager to make decisions and regulations regarding the City’s trees. It is the responsibility of the Tree Board and City Forest Manager to develop a Forest Management Plan that governs the management of publicly owned trees and forests.

You can review the full Tree Ordinance for the City of Bangor HERE.