Waynesville adopts municipal tree ordinance to protect public trees, create advisory tree board

The Waynesville Town Council voted to adopt a municipal tree ordinance that sets standards for the care and management of trees on town-owned property, streets and rights-of-way.

Kate Curtin of the Environmental Sustainability Board presented the ordinance and said it applies only to publicly owned trees, not private property. “This ordinance does not refer to trees that occur on private properties,” she said, emphasizing the focus on municipal stewardship and public canopy management.

Key provisions include delegation of oversight to the director of public works, adoption of standard arboriculture maintenance practices, and a requirement for a proactive annual tree maintenance plan and budget. The ordinance also establishes an advisory tree board of up to seven citizens (one member drawn from the Environmental Sustainability Board) with the public-works director serving ex officio.

Curtin cited local research showing measurable urban-heat differences: a Western Carolina University student project found heat islands in the business district and multiuse residential areas with differences of “15 to 20 degrees” compared with more forested areas. She argued the ordinance would reduce urban heat-island effects, increase stormwater infiltration, store carbon and improve habitat for pollinators.

Council members asked staff about implementation. Staff said deputy public-works administrator Bill Skelton has applied for arborist training and that Thomas Wolfson has offered to consult on the project. Councilmember Anthony stressed the ordinance’s scope: “This is for public property, streets, and right of ways. This is not private property.”

Choate moved to adopt the ordinance, the motion was seconded, and the council approved it by voice vote (ayes). Town staff will coordinate next steps to implement the maintenance plan and pursue Tree City USA status and grant opportunities.