Auburn, AL Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

Section 17-66 of the Municipal Tree Ordinance governs replacement and new planting of trees on or near Auburn's public property. If the city grants permission to remove a protected tree under the Section 17-65 permit process, the applicant bears full responsibility and cost for replacing it. The city, not the applicant, specifies the species, planting time, and planting location of the replacement tree, along with any additional protective conditions. A hard planting setback applies citywide: under no circumstances may a new tree be planted within 10 feet of utilities, curbs, gutters, and sidewalks on city rights-of-way, unless the city approves an exception.

If a replacement tree dies or substantially declines within two years of planting, in the city official's opinion, the original applicant remains responsible for replacing it again at their own expense. and including the city's beautification and urban forestry supervisor, separately makes annual recommendations for appropriate trees along streets, parks, and other public places, and coordinates an annual Arbor Week observance under Section 17-67. Any planting standards the city develops for right-of-way and park trees are compiled in the Municipal Tree Ordinance Implementation Guidelines, kept on file with the city official under Section 17-68, and can be updated by the city council without amending the ordinance text itself.