Concerned about the loss of ongoing and potential loss of tree cover, the Edmonds City Council on March 2 approved an emergency, interim six-month ordinance prohibiting the removal of trees greater than 24 inches on private property.

The ordinance states trees that size can be removed if deemed hazardous. However, it does not pertain to tree removal on properties that are going through a permitted development.

Councilmembers also approved the first stage of long-discussed tree code to establish an initial round of new tree regulations that would:

– Strengthen tree retention and protection...