Street Tree Ordinances – primarily cover the planting and removal of trees within public rights-of-way. These often contain provisions governing maintenance or removal of private trees which pose hazards to the traveling public. Often included in this category are ordinances with tree planting requirements.

Tree Protection Ordinances – primarily directed at providing protection for trees with historical significance or those native to the area. These usually require that a permit be obtained before protected trees can be removed, encroached upon or even pruned.

View Ordinances – primarily designed to help resolve resulting conflicts between owners when trees block views or sunlight.

Street tree ordinances tend to be more common than tree protection ordinances although many cities incorporate elements of both. View ordinances tend to be less common with most of these being “self-enforcing” – that is, a set of procedures was set forth through which private parties could resolve conflicts without governmental intervention.