VALDOSTA – Valdosta City Council adopted an amended tree ordinance at its April 7 meeting.

The amended ordinance eliminates a “remove-and-replace” penalty for property owners who have topped crepe myrtles. Instead, a warning will be issued first, followed by a series of fines that gradually increase. The ordinance also eliminates the threat of jail time as a consequence of violations.

Language in the ordinance holds landscapers and landscaping companies accountable for violating the tree ordinance. The city has already started an effort to educate landscapers on what the city regards as proper pruning techniques.

The ordinance passed with a unanimous vote.

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