OC Loves Trees

Launched Arbor Day 2026, OC Loves Trees is an Orange County initiative designed to inspire an appreciation for trees and expand the County's urban canopy.

Through the program, the County will plant hundreds of native trees in public spaces and neighborhoods over the next several years while providing education about the benefits of trees, including shade, cooler neighborhoods, improved air quality, reduced energy costs, and enhanced wildlife habitat.

Tree plantings are funded through revenue generated by mitigation provisions in Orange County's updated Arbor Ordinance, implemented in 2024. The ordinance provides better protection to trees during development and prioritizes adding new trees to the County's urban canopy.

Under the ordinance, developers must preserve mature, ecologically significant trees on-site, replant more trees than they remove, or contribute to a fund used by the County to plant trees.

Follow Engage Orange for updates and to stay informed about events.

Have a question about OC Loves Trees?

Ask your question here and we will provide an answer.

Share A few questions concerning the arbor ordinance: Question 1: How does the County enforce the ordinance? Is there follow-up after clearing, demolition, and construction? What are the penalties for violations? Question 2: What measures are taken to preserve the mature trees and canopy to prevent heat islands or to minimize the impacts of climate change? Small trees (< 8 feet) from a nursery are a poor substitute for a mature 40/60 year old oak. Question 3: Why are fines for violations forgiven by the County? Question 4: Is the County working with insurance companies to lessen the requirements for severe cutting or removal of mature trees? Question 5: Has the County amended the Development Code to encourage designs that retain mature trees and shrubs? Restricting tree and shrub removal to only the footprints of buildings and drives? Requiring a specific number of trees for parking lots, such as a landscape area plus tree per 10 parking spaces? Thank You!! for your interest. on Facebook Share A few questions concerning the arbor ordinance: Question 1: How does the County enforce the ordinance? Is there follow-up after clearing, demolition, and construction? What are the penalties for violations? Question 2: What measures are taken to preserve the mature trees and canopy to prevent heat islands or to minimize the impacts of climate change? Small trees (< 8 feet) from a nursery are a poor substitute for a mature 40/60 year old oak. Question 3: Why are fines for violations forgiven by the County? Question 4: Is the County working with insurance companies to lessen the requirements for severe cutting or removal of mature trees? Question 5: Has the County amended the Development Code to encourage designs that retain mature trees and shrubs? Restricting tree and shrub removal to only the footprints of buildings and drives? Requiring a specific number of trees for parking lots, such as a landscape area plus tree per 10 parking spaces? Thank You!! for your interest. on Twitter Share A few questions concerning the arbor ordinance: Question 1: How does the County enforce the ordinance? Is there follow-up after clearing, demolition, and construction? What are the penalties for violations? Question 2: What measures are taken to preserve the mature trees and canopy to prevent heat islands or to minimize the impacts of climate change? Small trees (< 8 feet) from a nursery are a poor substitute for a mature 40/60 year old oak. Question 3: Why are fines for violations forgiven by the County? Question 4: Is the County working with insurance companies to lessen the requirements for severe cutting or removal of mature trees? Question 5: Has the County amended the Development Code to encourage designs that retain mature trees and shrubs? Restricting tree and shrub removal to only the footprints of buildings and drives? Requiring a specific number of trees for parking lots, such as a landscape area plus tree per 10 parking spaces? Thank You!! for your interest. on Linkedin Email A few questions concerning the arbor ordinance: Question 1: How does the County enforce the ordinance? Is there follow-up after clearing, demolition, and construction? What are the penalties for violations? Question 2: What measures are taken to preserve the mature trees and canopy to prevent heat islands or to minimize the impacts of climate change? Small trees (< 8 feet) from a nursery are a poor substitute for a mature 40/60 year old oak. Question 3: Why are fines for violations forgiven by the County? Question 4: Is the County working with insurance companies to lessen the requirements for severe cutting or removal of mature trees? Question 5: Has the County amended the Development Code to encourage designs that retain mature trees and shrubs? Restricting tree and shrub removal to only the footprints of buildings and drives? Requiring a specific number of trees for parking lots, such as a landscape area plus tree per 10 parking spaces? Thank You!! for your interest. link

A few questions concerning the arbor ordinance: Question 1: How does the County enforce the ordinance? Is there follow-up after clearing, demolition, and construction? What are the penalties for violations? Question 2: What measures are taken to preserve the mature trees and canopy to prevent heat islands or to minimize the impacts of climate change? Small trees (< 8 feet) from a nursery are a poor substitute for a mature 40/60 year old oak. Question 3: Why are fines for violations forgiven by the County? Question 4: Is the County working with insurance companies to lessen the requirements for severe cutting or removal of mature trees? Question 5: Has the County amended the Development Code to encourage designs that retain mature trees and shrubs? Restricting tree and shrub removal to only the footprints of buildings and drives? Requiring a specific number of trees for parking lots, such as a landscape area plus tree per 10 parking spaces? Thank You!! for your interest.

Erik L. Melear, P.E. asked 5 days ago
Thank you for your questions! We recommend you review our page on our updated tree ordinance here: https://engageorange.ocfl.net/tree-ordinance
I’ve provided responses to your questions below:
1. Orange County enforces the ordinance through permit review and code violations. If a property is cleared or if trees are removed without permits, there are penalties of $19,090 per acre or more if the diameter of the trees is known. Violations require a restoration plan including tree replanting or mitigation fees.
2. The updated ordinance is intended to better protect mature, ecologically significant trees by requiring preservation where possible, limiting removal in certain areas, and requiring stronger replacement standards when protected trees are removed.
3. Mitigation fees for trees removed are not waived; however, administrative fines (daily fines) related to a lien imposed by an administrative order of the special magistrate may be reduced at the request of the owner.
4. Not at this time.
5. The County updated its tree protection code to prioritize tree protection during site design and development review. The landscape code (Chapter 24) requires trees in parking lots, around buildings, and in buffers.
For questions about a specific property or project, please contact the Zoning Arbor Office at 407-836-5807 or Arborist@ocfl.net.
Share How does residents of Orange County request trees within their neighborhood ? on Facebook Share How does residents of Orange County request trees within their neighborhood ? on Twitter Share How does residents of Orange County request trees within their neighborhood ? on Linkedin Email How does residents of Orange County request trees within their neighborhood ? link

How does residents of Orange County request trees within their neighborhood ?

STG asked 6 days ago
Currently, the best option to obtain free trees is to attend an UF-IFAS (Agricultural Extension) planned event. These events are held annually in each Commission District.
There are three remaining Adopt-A-Tree events scheduled for 2026:
- May 16 – Dr. Phillips Park
- June 6 – Barnett Park
- July 11 – Fort Christmas Park
What residents can expect at an Adopt-A-Tree event:
- Proof of Orange County residency is required
- Residents may receive up to two trees per household per year
- Trees are intended for planting on private residential property
- Supplies are limited, and demand is typically high; trees are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last
To help ensure long-term tree health and compliance with county regulations, trees cannot be planted in rights-of-way, retention pond areas, or HOA/development common areas. Residents seeking trees for shared neighborhood or public spaces are encouraged to explore other programs or initiatives that better align with those needs.

To learn more about these events, follow Orange County social media channels. If you need any additional information, email arborist@ocfl.net

Page last updated: 27 Apr 2026, 01:44 PM

OC Loves Trees

Have a question about OC Loves Trees?

How does residents of Orange County request trees within their neighborhood ?