Waynesville adopts municipal tree ordinance to protect public trees and restore Tree City USA eligibility

The Waynesville Town Council adopted a municipal tree ordinance after a presentation by Kate Curtin of the Environmental Sustainability Board. The ordinance applies only to trees on public property, streets and rights-of-way, and it establishes oversight with the director of public works.

The measure requires proactive annual tree maintenance planning and a budget, establishes an advisory tree board of up to seven citizens (including one Environmental Sustainability Board member and an ex‑officio public works representative), and sets management standards following professional arboriculture practices. The board will coordinate community planting programs, educational outreach and pursue grant funding to implement tree‑canopy goals. Staff said the North Carolina Department of Forestry will fund arborist training for a town employee (Bill Skelton) to become a certified arborist.

Supporters cited environmental benefits — reduced urban heat island effects (student thermal imagery showing 15–20°F differences between business districts and forested areas was described), carbon storage and stormwater mitigation — and economic advantages such as lower building cooling costs and reduced liability via tree risk assessments. The council moved to adopt the ordinance and voted 'aye.'

Next steps include public‑works coordination for implementation and formal appointment of the advisory tree board.