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1. What is a mitigation tree?

A mitigation tree is defined as a tree that is being planted to make up for tree canopy lost related to new developments. Every site in Fayetteville has a required percent minimum of canopy that must be preserved. View Zoning Designations in the UDC Chapter 167.04 C, Table 1. If a development needs to go below the required percent minimum canopy amount, they are required to mitigate for the trees. 

2. Where can mitigation trees be planted?

Mitigation trees can be planted on-site or off-site. If the trees are to be planted off-site, the property needs to be owned by the same property owner. 

3. What is the Tree Escrow Account?

The Tree Escrow Account is an account used to house money paid in lieu of developments planting mitigation trees on-site. The amount per tree is $675. $675 is the cost to plant a tree and maintain it for 3 years. This amount is reviewed every 4 years to make sure it is in line with market value. For more information about the Tree Escrow Account please visit the Unified Development Code Chapter 167.04 J 4.

4. Who pays into the Tree Escrow Account?

The owner of the site being developed or the developer.

5. When can a developer pay into the Tree Escrow Account?

Tree escrow payments are only used as a last resort during the development process. Tree preservation on-site is always the preferred option, with on-site mitigation, off-site mitigation to be considered in descending order only if the more preferred option cannot be fully achieved. (Unified Development Code 167.04 J 4) 

6. What happens to the money in the Tree Escrow Account?

Money in the Tree Escrow Account must be spent within seven years of the City receiving the funds. The account is managed by the Urban Forestry Department. The money is spent on planting trees in on City property and right-of-ways. 

7. When is a developer required to plant trees?

A developer is required to plant trees in the following scenarios: 

• Street Trees - one street tree per 30' of street. 
• Parking Lot Trees - one tree per 12 parking spaces.
• Detention Pond Trees - based on square footage of the detention pond.
• Mitigation Trees - If the required minimum canopy percentage is not met, mitigation trees are required.

For more information about what trees are required during development, view the Landscape Regulations Chapter of the Unified Development Code.