Specific goals of this section are to:
(A) Protect, preserve and enhance the quality of life and general welfare of the village, its residents, and property owners; and conserve and enhance the village's natural, physical and aesthetic environment.
(B) Preserve, protect, and enhance the urban forest to ensure that trees are properly planted and maintained within the village so that trees can protect, enhance and preserve the quality of life for people within the village.
(C) Recognize that trees are an integral part of the infrastructure of the village and as such should be preserved, protected, and cared for as other critical the village infrastructure.
(1) Trees absorb pollution from the air;
(2) Trees absorb and sequester carbon dioxide;
(3) Trees absorb and filter pollution from stormwater run-off;
(4) Trees produce oxygen;
(5) Trees reduce flooding;
(6) Trees stabilize soils and reduce erosion;
(7) Trees cool the surrounding area helping to reduce impacts due to heat islands;
(8) Trees reduce energy consumption by shielding structures from harsh winds and sun;
(9) Trees provide a buffer and screen against noise, light and pollution;
(10) Trees improve property values;
(11) Trees improve commercial district buyer traffic;
(12) Areas with trees have lower crime rates;
(13) Areas with trees have higher levels of community interaction;
(14) Trees provide important habitat for birds and other wildlife; and
(15) Trees protect and enhance our quality of life.
(D) Trees provide the village collective benefits that extend beyond property boundaries throughout the entire village.
(E) Recognize that larger trees provide larger benefits. When a large tree is removed and replaced with a smaller tree the benefits and services are reduced.
(F) Recognize that some trees may have a condition that constitutes a threat, danger, or nuisance to the public or property within the village or may be dangerous to the health of other trees and vegetation in the village.
(Ord. 23-03, passed 1-9-23)