Hartford, CT Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Designated by
- Tree Advisory Commission
- Honorary 'City Tree'
- Selected every 3 years
- Removal replacement
- 4x DBH or 4x assessed value
- Records kept by
- City Forester
Summary
Hartford's Tree Advisory Commission catalogs Legacy Trees chosen for size, age or historic value, and removing one requires four times the normal replacement.
Legacy Tree means any Tree as determined by the Tree Advisory Commission to be of unique and intrinsic value to the general public because of its size, age, historic association, ecological importance or aesthetic value. The Tree Advisory Commission shall establish a Legacy Tree Program in order to catalog Legacy Trees in Hartford. The City Forester shall keep a record of all Trees designated as Legacy Trees and their locations. The Commission shall also select a "City Tree" every three (3) years.
Full Breakdown
Under Hartford Municipal Code §§ 28-154 and 28-157, a Legacy Tree is one the Tree Advisory Commission determines has unique value for its size, age, historic association, ecological importance or aesthetic value. The Commission maintains a public-input catalog of Legacy Trees, the City Forester records their locations, and the Commission separately selects one honorary Hartford 'City Tree' every three years. Removing a Legacy Tree still requires a City Forester permit under § 28-160, but the replacement standard is steeper: four times the removed tree's DBH in new trees, or four times its assessed value paid into the Hartford Tree Account (§ 28-162(c)).
Violations & Fines
Removing or altering a Legacy Tree without City Forester authorization is enforced the same as any covered tree, citation and fines up to $250 per tree per violation (§ 28-165), plus the enhanced 4x replacement or payment obligation of § 28-162(c).
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a tree a Hartford Legacy Tree?
Is it harder to remove a Legacy Tree than a regular tree in Hartford?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hartford
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