1. Policy Statement.
Trees provide numerous tangible and intangible benefits to the University of North Texas. Therefore, the University resolves to protect, nurture and renew this valuable resource following the tenants outlined in the Master Plan To fulfill this commitment, UNT establishes the following principles:

1. The University will make all reasonable actions to protect and maintain the health of campus trees; and
2. Trees will be considered for removal only under certain circumstances hereinafter set out; and
3. Trees that are removed shall be replaced with suitably sized tree(s) of selected species.

2. Application of Policy.

This policy applies to individuals and functions operating on the University of North Texas campus.

3. Definitions.

1. Donor Tree. Donor Tree is a tree either planted by a donor or purchased and planted by the university from gifts given to the University.
2. Heritage Tree Heritage Tree is a landmark tree which is significant due to its species or size, or a tree which has historical or memorial significance to the University.
3. Master Tree Plan. Master Tree Plan is a tree inventory plan depicting the location, species, health and size of existing trees and proposed location of new trees to be planted.
4. Tree Advisory Committee Tree Advisory Committee is a committee charged with providing guidance for future planning, approval of a comprehensive campus tree plan, education of the campus population as to the benefits of the campus trees, recommendations concerning the removal of trees, designation of trees as heritage or valuable and development of connectivity to the community.
5. Valuable Tree Valuable tree is a healthy tree of less significance than a heritage tree, but due to its size or species should be treated as a special asset. This includes species with limited population on campus, Post Oaks, Black Jack Oaks Live Oaks, Elms and Pecans and trees with a caliper in excess of 18 inches.

4. Procedures and Responsibilities.

1. Trees will be Maintained, Preserved and Protected.
   1. The University will make all reasonable efforts to maintain, preserve and protect trees and to keep them pruned, stabilized, and free from damages from the elements and disease.
   2. Facilities will prepare a tree inventory documenting each tree by type, condition, location, age and value. The inventory should be updated every five years.
   3. Construction project managers will make all reasonable efforts to limit the removal of trees on construction sites for new and expanded buildings, roads and utilities.
2. Trees may be Considered for Removal under the Following Circumstances:

Trees may be considered for removal when it meets any of the criteria specified in the Master Tree Plan; including diseased or dead trees, constitutes a safety hazard, determined to be an obstruction and a hazard to utility lines, unduly interferes with the construction of facilities, or for any other appropriate, documented and informed reason.Trees meeting any of the above circumstances will be identified to the grounds manager who will be responsible for providing a recommendation and documentation for removal of the tree(s).

3. Tree Removal Procedures.
   1. For trees recommended for removal that meet the classification of a heritage tree or valuable tree as designated in the tree inventory, the Tree Advisory Committee will provide a written notification to affected parties of the intent to remove heritage or valuable trees, and give the parties reasonable opportunities to provide comments. After the commenting period, the Tree Advisory Committee will make a written recommendation to the Sustainability Programs Director.
   2. Written approval from the Sustainability Programs Director is required for the removal of heritage or valuable trees. Appeals to this decision may be made to the Sustainability Committee. Final authority rests through channels with the President.
   3. Prior to the removal or relocation of Donor Trees, Facilities will contact the Office of Development so that the donor may be properly notified of the action.
   4. It is recognized that there may be exceptions to this policy, such as, emergencies where safety and preservation of facilities require immediate removal or replacement of newly planted trees which do not survive.
   5. Detailed procedures for obtaining approval for the removal of trees are contained in Facilities Procedures.
4. Tree Replacement.

When it is necessary to remove a tree replacement tree(s) of suitable size and species will be planted according to the following guidelines. Replacement tree values will be expressed in terms of caliper inches.

1. Heritage trees will be replaced with appropriate species at a three to one ratio (For example, a tree with a 24-inch diameter will require 72 caliper inches of appropriate replacement trees, which could be met by twelve trees of 6-inch caliper or eighteen trees of 4-inch caliper.). Replacement trees will immediately be designated as valuable trees;
2. Valuable trees will be replaced with appropriate species at a one-to-one caliper ratio and replacement trees immediately designated as valuable trees;
3. Other trees of desirable species as specified in the University design guidelines at a one to one-half ratio (1/2 inch tree caliper will be planted for every one inch removed);
4. Secondary trees (less desirable trees not listed in design guidelines) at one to one-quarter ratio.

The location, care and species of the replacement tree(s) must be consistent with the campus master plan guidelines for the area and the University design guidelines concerning tree species.

5. Master Tree Plan

The Executive Director of Facilities will develop a master tree inventory. The Tree Advisory Committee must approve the master tree plan and any substantive changes made prior to renewal. Facilities will establish a budget for tree preservation, maintenance and replacement subject to approval of the Vice President for Finance and Administration.

6. Tree Advisory Committee.

The committee will be chaired by the Executive Director of Facilities and comprised of the following individuals and representatives from the following groups as appointed by the Sustainability Programs Director:

• Executive Director of Facilities
• Grounds Manager
• Faculty Representative from Biological Sciences
• Member of the Sustainability Council
• Student Representative nominated by SGA
• Community Representative

Terms for service on the committee will be limited to two years for non-named positions. The committee will establish goals for increasing the number of trees on campus.

5. References and Cross-references.
   5. UNT Design and Construction Guidelines
   6. Facilities Procedures on Tree Preservation
6. Forms and Tools.

There are no forms for this policy.

Approved: 5/19/2009

Effective: 5/19/2009

Review By: 5/19/2012

Policy Owner: Vice President for Finance and Administration

Policy Contact: Charles Jackson, Executive Director, Facilities