West Haven, CT Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)

Chapter 213, adopted 11-25-2002 by the City Council of the City of West Haven, uses designation rather than a species list. Under § 213-2, landmark and asset trees are trees the Tree Warden determines to be of great age or rarity, associated with a historical event or person, or of tangible value to the community for their scenic enrichment or their ability to survive a specific disease. The chapter defines a tree as a woody plant, usually with one main trunk, reaching a height of at least 15 feet when mature.

The working protection sits in § 213-3B(2)(d). The Tree Warden, with the Tree Commission, selects and identifies landmark and asset trees on City property and, with the concurrence of the property owner, on private property. The same duty covers preventing damage to trees and shrubs on City property by any person, company, utility, or state or federal agency. Listed damage includes pruning, removing, defacing, cutting, painting or marking trees, posting unauthorized signs, permitting toxic chemicals including excessive road salt to seep or drain around a tree, piling soil over roots to a suffocating depth, and setting fires or burning rubble within the root zone.

The Tree Commission has five members recommended by the Mayor and approved by the City Council, serves three-year staggered terms, and meets quarterly (§ 213-3A). Any pruning, removal or disturbance of a tree on City-owned property needs a Tree Warden permit (§ 213-4A), and the Tree Warden posts a notice on trees on City property at least 10 days before planned removal unless they are an immediate public hazard. On new construction on private or City property, the Tree Warden can work with the developer or homeowner to count trees proposed for removal and recommend retaining existing ones, and efforts should be made to disturb as few trees as possible (§ 213-6B).