We call on the City of Decatur to make effective, enforceable changes to the Decatur Tree Ordinance that save more of our best existing trees now.

For more details and updates, please follow https://www.facebook.com/SaveDecatursTrees/

What's not working: 

• The current DTO requires saving only 25% of existing canopy on lots.
• Measuring canopy per lot is highly subjective, especially because different trees have varying growth patterns and foliage changes seasonally. Most metro-area jurisdictions measure trees by diameter (dbh); Decatur should too.
• A save requirement based on canopy does not encourage saving our more valuable trees. 
• Because of this, on new and redevelopment lots we are losing 75-90% of existing trees. 
• New saplings planted in graded red clay soils cannot replace our mature majestic oaks and other trees that are rooted in rich, older soils.
•  The current DTO allows 3 healthy trees, even our best and historic trees, to be cut down per lot for any reason every 18 months. More than three healthy trees are allowed to be cut down if trees are replanted to no net loss of the site's canopy at time of removal.
• This adds up to a potential loss of 100% of our existing trees and urban forest, and we’re beginning to see this in our neighborhoods as much larger homes replace the older homes that accommodated trees.
• “Boundary trees” are not protected, as they are in other jurisdictions. This means a tree on your property can legally be destroyed by construction on the adjacent property.
•  Enforcement measures under the current DTO are weak; minimal fines for a developer destroying a tree without a permit are not working to deter illegal cuttings and clear cutting.