VALDOSTA – The Land Development Regulations for the City of Valdosta have come under fire recently, but the city continues to defend the ordinances — specifically the tree ordinance.  

Community interest in the city’s tree ordinance has surged following a report on a local business being reprimanded for pruning crepe myrtles on commercial property. 

“Tree ordinances exist for more than just aesthetic reasons,” said Kevin Jenkins, city arborist.

Jenkins said tree canopies serve the city in several ways. 

“Every tree that is planted can divert up to 200 gallons of stormwater run off,” he said. “In addition, they filter air, noise pollution, cooling effect, reduces heat and helps reduce electricity costs in the winter.” 

“Businesses have a personal responsibility to know the ordinances, but we also help so it becomes a dual responsibility for the business and the city,” said Public Information Officer for Valdosta Sementha Matthews. 

Not following the city ordinance can result in monetary fines for violators, starting at a $250 fine per tree, according to Jenkins. 

“Our goal is not to haul people into court,” Jenkins said. “Our goal is to get people into compliance.”

The rules regarding pruning and tree topping are points of contention for some residents. 

Jenkins said contrary to what many people think, pruning is actually not good for trees.

“Pruning weakens the integrity and structure of the tree,” said Jenkins. “There’s just no scientific reason to do it. The tree is genetically engineered to do what it’s going to do. Pruning Citi will not change that genetic design. The only way to make the tree perform better is through water and fertilization.”

The LDR does include an exemption clause on pruning for beautification purposes. 

Section 328-14, clause O, of the LDR states, “The pruning or trimming of trees for beautification purposes or for removal of dead or diseased limbs shall be exempt. Also, the pruning or trimming of trees, as part of normal maintenance, or public utilities maintaining lines and easements within the City shall be exempt from the provisions of this article; however, all public utilities holding easements within the City shall give notice at least 3 days in advance when pruning or trimming of easements and rights-of-ways is done.”  

The city plans to hold a workshop on the proper way to prune trees in February.  

Valdosta has had a tree ordinance for almost 40 years, according to city officials. 

“In 1978, the city adopted a Tree Ordinance,” said Matthews. “In 1990, it added a Landscape Ordinance. In 1994, both were repealed and a new ordinance was enacted and designated the Tree and Landscape Ordinance.” 

The current ordinance was adopted in 2009 as part of the LDR. 

The ordinance spans 36 sections over 22 pages.

Valdosta City Council agreed to convene a committee to review the ordinance at the Jan. 22 council meeting.

Jennifer Dandron is a reporter at the Valdosta Daily Times. She can be reached at (229) 244-3400 ext. 1255.