Mitigation Policy for Tree Removal in the United States: A Review of Terms, Replacement Ratios, and Jurisdictional Variation

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Abstract
Tree mitigation policies are regulations that require replacement or compensation for the removal of urban trees and are among the most widely used mechanisms in tree governance. These policies vary in structure, rigor, and terminology across jurisdictions. In this study, we review mitigation-based tree protection policies enacted at local and county levels across the entire United States (n=162), focusing on cases where the replacement ratio exceeds one tree removed compensated by one new tree replanted. We analyze specific replacement ratios (how many trees should be planted for each tree removed), size standards for replacement, species requirements, and procedural conditions encoded in policies, local codes, and ordinances. We found that most mitigation provisions use variable, size-based replacement ratios, often calculated using diameter at breast height (DBH) or caliper inches, the number of trees, the size of the tree canopy, or a combination of these mechanisms. Alternatives to tree replacement include fee-in-lieu or tree banks. Our analysis also reveals variation in related policy provisions, including species-specific requirements for protection and replacement, conditions for on-site versus off-site tree installation, replanting timelines, performance bonds, and post-planting monitoring. We relate these findings to the broader literature on urban forest governance and the landscape of incentive-based policies, discussing implications for more holistic, life-cycle-oriented urban tree management.

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