August 26, 2026
Motion: Procedure for Tree Felling in Public Spaces
Submitted by: Council Member Dr. Limor Zar Gutman, Esq., “For the Colony” Faction
For over half a year, the Council has ceased to comply with its own procedural directive regarding the publication of a written notice concerning requests to cut down trees within the boundaries of Zichron Ya’akov (that are not on private property). The purpose of the procedure is to raise public awareness and allow the public to comment on requests to cut down trees in public spaces.
According to the procedure, when a request to cut down a tree is submitted or information is received regarding an intention to cut down a tree in a public space, the following must be included: the exact location, a photo of the tree, the reason for felling, and an agronomic opinion, if available. The material will be published on the council’s website.
If the Department of Environmental Quality recommends felling, a 14-day public notice and objection period begins. During this period:
- A notice will be posted on the tree itself and on the council’s website, including the applicant’s name and the application number.
- The notice (A4 size, laminated) must be posted by the applicant in a prominent location without damaging the tree.
- In the case of a request involving multiple trees, the trees designated for removal will be marked with a red label and a serial number.
- The applicant is responsible for posting the notice, maintaining it, and removing it at the end of the period.
The procedure continues by detailing how the Department of Environmental Quality should proceed. It can be read on the council’s website.
Failure to follow this procedure causes significant harm to tree preservation and environmental protection. The council does not plant enough trees each year (according to data provided by the council head in response to a question I submitted); moreover, it fails to protect existing trees. The result is an acute shortage of shade and the loss of the green landscape that once characterized the town, replaced by concrete buildings.
Further damage to trees is caused by contractors who harm trees during infrastructure work in public areas. A recent example of this is the renovation of the square at the corner of Granot and HaMeisadim Streets. The contractor poured concrete over the roots of an ancient carob tree. It is unclear whether the tree will survive. See the photo below.
Proposed Resolution:
We, the members of the plenary, recognize the great importance of protecting trees in public spaces. Therefore, the council will once again act in accordance with all provisions of the procedure, including the publication on the council’s website of a list of trees designated for felling, marked with signs.
In addition, the Council will ensure that contractors preserve trees at construction sites.
Limor Zar-Gutman
“For the Colony” Faction.