Stricter rules will protect native so-called heritage trees, native species; Gainesville, FL

Stricter rules will protect native so-called heritage trees, native species Gainesville.com:
Amid budget clear-cutting, the city of Gainesville is hoping to see the forest for the trees with changes looming in its relatively complex arbor policies.

In May, the City Commission gave preliminary approval to changes in the tree code that would put in place, among other things, fines for violators who chop down so-called heritage trees, defined as native species with trunks that have reached 20 inches in diameter, and the proceeds would go toward a conservation fund.