Amendment to a European Council Regulation (Regulation (EEC) No 1765/89) regarding the procedure for establishing the common market organization in fruits and vegetables

Amendment to a European Council Regulation (Regulation (EEC) No 1765/89) regarding the procedure for establishing the common market organization in fruits and vegetables

In an effort to preserve the city's greenery and reap the benefits that trees provide, a motion has been proposed for the Environmental Committee meeting on July 25, 2025. This motion seeks to explain measures that can be taken to delay approved tree felling in private construction projects, thus retaining existing trees as long as possible.

The proposed measures include increasing fees for tree removal and strengthening tree protections. For instance, in St. Johns County, developers would face significantly higher fees—rising from $25 to $100 per inch of tree removed—for cutting down protected or specimen trees that cannot be replaced on site. These fees are collected into a "tree bank" fund, which supports tree replacement and preservation efforts.

Removing trees without proper permits can lead to heavy penalties and delays in construction projects. Existing trees must also be protected during building works to ensure compliance and prevent delays.

Additional measures, while not explicitly part of the motion, are also relevant. These include imposing requirements for root protection zones during construction, using tree services to care for critical trees around building sites, and mandating careful pruning and protective barriers for root systems to minimize impacts on trees that remain.

The benefits of retaining trees are numerous. They provide fresh oxygen, reduce CO levels, filter fine dust, offer cooling and shade, reduce noise, and contribute to shaping the cityscape. However, it should be noted that the motion does not discuss the potential economic impact of delaying tree felling.

It's important to mention that the motion does not address the reasons behind the premature tree felling and delayed construction. Neither does it specify any penalties for premature tree felling or delayed construction. The motion can be downloaded as a PDF file with the title "20250725_UA_Early Tree Felling".

The motion also emphasizes the importance of implementing replacement plantings in a timely manner. It's worth noting that replacement plantings typically take decades to reach the size and impact of the previously felled trees.

The motion does not request a halt to ongoing construction projects. Instead, it aims to provide a framework for future construction projects to minimize tree felling and promote preservation or careful planning to avoid felling valuable trees. The motion does not propose any new regulations or laws related to tree felling for construction projects.

On July 15, 2025, it was noted that tree felling for construction projects in Fürth, specifically in Karolinenstraße and Floßaustraße, often occurs prematurely. Premature tree felling, followed by delayed construction, can result in a loss of trees' beneficial effects.

As the city continues to grow, it's crucial to find a balance between development and preservation. This proposed motion is a step towards achieving that balance, ensuring that the city's trees continue to provide their numerous benefits for years to come.

1. The motion, titled "20250725_UA_Early Tree Felling," highlights the potential benefits that science, particularly environmental-science, can bring, as it provides solutions to delay tree felling in construction projects.
2. The proposal suggests policy-and-legislation changes, such as increasing fees for tree removal and strengthening tree protections, which can impact both the private sector (construction projects) and the general-news media by showcasing the city's commitment to environmental preservation.
3. To ensure the long-term benefits of trees in the city's urban landscape, the motion emphasizes the need for ongoing attention and action in the area of politics, including the implementation of replacement plantings and careful planning for future construction projects, in order to strike a balance between development and preservation.

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