Tree Board Duties and Responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities

a. The Tree Board shall hear all requests for planting, maintenance, and removal of street trees and park trees by the citizens of Hillsborough. The Town maintains the right to review any requests, and the tree(s) in question, in determining whether to satisfy such requests.

b. The Tree Board, when requested by the Board of Commissioners, shall consider, investigate, make findings, report and recommend upon any special matter or question coming within the scope of its work.

c. The Tree Board shall furthermore serve as an advisory board to the Board of Commissioners with the following duties and responsibilities:

  • to facilitate the planting, growth, protection, and removal of trees within the Town;
  • to foster the communication among the citizens of Hillsborough that would provide the needed protection of trees and to coordinate active measures to support their health and growth within the Town;
  • to conduct an annual tree safety audit of existing trees along streets and on public property within the Town, for the purpose of determining needed pruning and tree removal;
  • to investigate available grants, loans or contributions from other governmental agencies, public or private corporations, or individuals; and to recommend the expenditure of any proceeds toward the accomplishment of the Tree Board's purpose;
  • to conduct continuing research, planning, and feasibility studies required to support the purpose stated herein.

d. The Tree Board will be responsible for establishing guidelines for the spacing of Town trees on Town property. These guidelines will cover spacing between street trees, the distance street trees may be planted from curbs or curblines and sidewalks, the distance street trees may be planted from any street corner, the location of the street trees relative to overhead and underground water line, sewer lines, transmission line, or other utility, and any other areas involving the spacing of street trees, park trees, or Town owned trees.

e. The Tree Board shall submit an annual report of its activities and recommendations to the Board of Commissioners and shall submit copies of its minutes and proceedings of its regular and special meetings.