If you own land in Ottawa and you have a tree that’s in poor shape, a city official could tell you to trim or remove it. So far, the city has regulated planting, trimming, and removal only in city rights of way where branches and roots can get into utility lines and block sidewalks. City Attorney Tim Cantlin says an ordinance update the City Council approved last night expands City Hall’s authority over it.
It’s part of an 11-page package recommended by the Morton Arboretum. The city asked for recommendations after the 2020 derecho to make trees, particularly those on city property, more robust.