Medina, OH Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)

01(e). A protected tree is either a public tree of two inches DBH or more, or a tree within a conservation easement or private tree preservation area of ten inches DBH or more; an ordinary private tree outside such an easement is not 'protected' under this definition. 03 has the City Forester issue provisional permits for activity that anticipates or involves damage to a public tree, actual removal of a public tree, construction adjacent to street trees, or sidewalk and curb replacement. Approval requires the applicant to show the work is needed and that the workers are qualified; if a permit requires removing a protected tree, the applicant bears the full cost of removal and replacement.

Applications must be filed at least five working days ahead, and permits are valid forty-five days. 08 sets the replacement math: a tree removed without a permit must be replaced with equivalent-value trees at least 1 3/4 inches in caliper, and the cost-replacement formula charges $35 for every inch of trunk circumference measured two feet above grade, deposited into the Shade Tree Trust account. 99 fines violations up to $100, with each day and each tree harmed a separate offense, on top of the replacement fee. Ord. 50-04, passed 4-12-04, enacted the chapter.