PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Shawn D. Dickerson AU - John W. Groninger AU - Jean C. Mangun TI - Influences Of Community Characteristics On Municipal Tree Ordinances In Illinois, U.S. AID - 10.48044/jauf.2001.035 DP - 2001 Nov 01 TA - Arboriculture & Urban Forestry (AUF) PG - 318--325 VI - 27 IP - 6 4099 - http://auf.isa-arbor.com/content/27/6/318.short 4100 - http://auf.isa-arbor.com/content/27/6/318.full SO - JOA2001 Nov 01; 27 AB - While the overall objective of municipal tree ordinances is to provide safe and attractive community forests, the approach to addressing this issue varies profoundly among municipalities. This study explores the relationship between community characteristics and municipal tree ordinances using data from 151 Illinois communities. Results show significant correlations between ordinance provisions and community ‘characteristics relating to wealth and education. Communities with higher mean income and level of education are more likely to have provisions biased toward the maintenance and protection of existing community trees, while communities where residents are less educated and poorer on average tend to have ordinances focused on community aesthetics and safety through resource improvement. Municipal governments, and the tree care professionals advising them, can use this information for guidance when revising or developing ordinances to match community preferences and objectives.