When the city forester approves removal of a public tree under BMC Chapter 40, replacement planting is generally required using species from the approved Billings street tree list to maintain canopy.
Billings has worked to maintain its boulevard tree canopy despite Dutch elm disease and emerald ash borer threats. Chapter 40 lets the city forester require replacement when removal of a public tree is approved. Species are selected from an approved street tree list that prioritizes Montana-hardy varieties resistant to current pests, including bur oak, hackberry, Kentucky coffeetree, and selected maples. Property owners are responsible for watering newly planted boulevard trees during the establishment period. The Yellowstone Valley Audubon and arborists advocate for diverse plantings to avoid monoculture vulnerabilities exposed by the historic loss of American elm.
Failure to plant required replacements within the time set by the forester can lead to fines, an in-lieu fee billed to the property, or city planting at owner expense.
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