Works Board supports new tree ordinance

The Grafton Board of Public Works on Monday recommended approval of a new ordinance to redefine the village’s responsibility with hazardous or infected trees on public and private property. 

Last month, the board postponed taking action to update a 1979 ordinance that required spraying and removing hazardous or infected trees on public and private property within 24 hours of notice.

“With the infestation of the emerald ash borer in recent years, the village is unable to take on the full responsibility for all private trees as the current code requires after only 24 hours notice to property owners,” Public Works Director Amber Thomas said last month.

The board agreed to table the issue because members wanted Thomas to draft a new ordinance, saying the 1979 version is out of date. 

One section of the ordinance requires property owners to remove hazardous trees within 24 hours. 

“Typically, no one is going to be able to contact a tree service to get anything taken care of in 24 hours,” Thomas said.

The new ordinance states, however, if there is an emergency that is at risk of hurting the public, the property owner must remove the tree within 24 hours of written notice. Other tree removals will require a 30-day notice.

Thomas said the new ordinance only applies to trees on public property because the village does not control private property. 

“With this code update, the village remains fully responsible for all trees they own, as well as any private trees that may cause a hazard to people and property while on public property,” she said. 

Thomas said the new ordinance will remove the village’s liability for private property trees that have no impact on public property.

The new ordinance will require Village Board approval.