NS.1.2.ADevelop and implement tree protection strategies and/or incentives to help encourage the maintenance of tree cover and the various resilience benefits of trees on public and private land.

Trees reduce heat, manage stormwater, store carbon, and improve neighborhood livability—but development pressures and storm damage can reduce canopy over time. This action creates a tree protection bylaw that applies to both public and private land, aiming to maintain tree cover and preserve the resilience benefits trees provide. A strong bylaw can set clear standards for tree removal, replacement, and protection during construction, while also defining exemptions and practical compliance pathways. Success looks like reduced unnecessary tree loss, higher canopy retention on development sites, clearer expectations for property owners and builders, and long-term canopy health that supports Plymouth’s climate resilience goals.