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Resident urges Euclid to require permits for private tree removal after neighbors lose mature canopy
Summary
A resident told the Shade Tree Commission that multiple mature trees behind her home were removed by a neighboring apartment complex; commissioners and the new urban forester acknowledged canopy loss and discussed education and policy options.
A Euclid resident told the Shade Tree Commission that the removal of several mature trees behind her home has reduced privacy and green canopy, and urged the city to consider a permit requirement before private property owners remove trees.
"There was a significant green barrier ... In 2023 the green barrier behind our fence was removed," Jillian Moll said during public comment. She described the subsequent removal of almost all parking‑lot trees in 2024 and 2025 and asked whether the trees had been removed for safety reasons or as discretionary clearing. "I respectfully encourage the council to explore options for providing a degree of regulation to the issue of tree removal on private property," Moll said, suggesting a permit that could facilitate dialogue and alternatives to complete removal.
Commissioners and staff acknowledged the loss of canopy and described steps underway to address long‑standing maintenance and policy gaps. Amanda (Commissioner) noted the city had analyzed canopy conditions and hired an urban forester to begin addressing the backlog. "That is one of the reasons why the money was put into getting the grama, the work was put in to get an Urban Forester," Amanda said, adding that the city is using studies to identify trees that need removal versus pruning and to consider stronger landscaping requirements on development projects.
Jody, the City of Euclid urban forester, told the commission that staff respond to resident calls and are working to rebuild resident trust as backlog maintenance is addressed. "One of the challenges ... is that it contributes to the bad feelings toward trees, and it also contributes to the residents not trusting the city to take care of the city," Jody said. She said staff reply to inquiries even when they cannot immediately provide the desired answers and emphasized an ongoing effort to communicate work and policies.
Why it matters: Residents’ reports of large‑scale private tree removals highlight tension between private property rights and community canopy goals and have prompted the commission and staff to consider permitting, stronger landscape requirements and expanded education efforts.
No formal policy change or ordinance was adopted at the meeting. Commissioners discussed education, enforcement options and the need for clearer regulations but did not direct staff to draft a specific ordinance during this session.
