An ordinance, O2023-0004235, recently introduced in City Council to fast-track the removal of trees endangers many of Chicago's oldest and most beneficial trees, and will have a profoundly negative effect on our City’s climate-resiliency.

Trees are essential to Chicago. They mitigate floods, deter crime, reduce energy use, improve mental health- and much more. Our oldest trees provide the greatest environmental benefit, but take decades to reach maturity. Unfortunately, Chicago’s tree canopy is below average nationally and is rapidly declining due to poor policy and environmental factors.

This proposed ordinance broadly defines what trees are "dangerous,” dooming an innumerable amount of trees without proper assessment. When making determinations around tree risk and the safety of our communities, it is of utmost importance to defer to professionals who have experience and training in determining risk. The ordinance transitions risk assessments away from professional arborists and gives amateurs the ability to influence hazard prioritization. In addition, broadly defining trees as “dangerous” may open a door for potential lawsuits that could cause undue burden to the City and by extension, taxpayers.

Furthermore, the Urban Forestry Advisory Board (UFAB) was created to review, assess, and advise on City policies important to urban forestry. Regrettably, UFAB was not included in the development of this policy, nor consulted in any way. An ordinance that potentially impacts every tree in Chicago for decades to come should not be rushed through to passage before it has been thoroughly reviewed by UFAB.

When it comes to our trees, we must prioritize public health, environmental impact, and equitable implementation standards. It is for these reasons, that as a constituent, I ask that you please help us protect our urban tree canopy by opposing O2023-0004235.