Significant Trees
The city's largest shade trees are precious resources. A large tree offers exponentially greater benefits than a small or newly planted tree, due to the large amount of extra foliage. Trees require many decades to reach a mature size. Preserving and protecting mature trees is a top priority, and serves to benefit public health.
In 2004, the City passed a regulation in its Zoning Ordinance (Sec. 425.1, "Removal of Significant Trees") that protects trees that are 32 inches in diameter or greater (measured 4.5 feet above the ground), regardless of location. No "Significant Tree" shall be removed without prior permission of the City Forester. Any person wishing to remove a Significant Tree shall file a request to do so with the City Forester. The request must meet certain criteria in order to receive approval, most notably that the tree poses a danger to human safety, health, and welfare. Call the City Forester at 785-9450 for more information.
Canopy coverage requirements for developers
Landscaping and Tree regulations, Providence Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 27, Sec. 425. (http://www.municode.com/resources/gateway.asp?pid=11458&sid=39)
Providence Tree List (.pdf)