Aside from the waterfront, decoy industry and history, Havre de Grace has become known for its tree-lined streets.

The city—recognized for 11 consecutive years as Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation—is taking steps to ensure it maintains its status.

Mayor Wayne Dougherty announced at Monday's City Council meeting that the city now has an outline in place for maintenance and removal of roadside trees.

According to a document outlining the tree maintenance program, Havre de Grace's goal is "to promote and protect the beauty, public health, safety and general welfare of the City by providing for the regulation of the planting, maintenance and removal of trees, shrubs and other woody plants within the city."

See the PDF file included with this post for more information.

Dougherty said Monday the city would begin a notification process for residents when city trees in front of their homes were scheduled for maintenance or removal.

The issue arose after some trees in the city right-of-way were removed in front of residences along Ontario Street.

Dr. David Jaffe, president of the Ontario-Otsego Positive Action Committe emailed Mayor Dougherty urging him to, "please consider a policy of homeowner (or HOA) notification before any more sawing occurs."

Havre de Grace has a tree commission which helps the municipality deal with and document its historic and noteworthy trees.

The city also has a Certified Tree Expert, who is licensed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

TELL US: Do you have a favorite area of Havre de Grace to enjoy the city's trees? Leave a comment.