Sacramento Cracking Down On Tree Trimmers

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — When Nora Benavides' thirsty tree needed help, she hired an arborist to care for it, before it toppled over her home, like so many of her neighbors' drought-stricken trees have.

But under a city ordinance, if she wants to trim or chop her tree now, she'll need a permit. The city council passed the measure on Thursday night.

The permit cost: $50.

"It's the city trying to make revenue off the beauty of our trees," says Nora Benavides.

People caught pruning old trees without city approval will be punished, with a fine ranging from $250 to $25,000.

"The goal ultimately is to improve and protect what we have," says Sacramento Urban Forester Joe Benassini.

Under the current tree ordinance, big trees like Oaks and Sycamores are considered protected and preserved.

Under new rules--smaller, backyard trees will fall in the same category.

"80% of the urban forest really is in someone's backyard or someone's private property," says Benassini.

"Is it going to bring the tree back?," asks Michael Cook.

Michael Cook is one of many tree-lovers who worry the ordinance doesn't go far enough.

"They've got to enforce it to make people understand, they just can't take trees out," says Cook.

There'll be no tree patrols citing homeowners.

Instead, the city will rely on neighbors to report illegal tree-trimmers.

"It's ridiculous. It's a revenue based reason," says Nora Benavides.

Officials say, if the ordinance passes, tree fines will be handled on a "case-by-case" basis.