This article promotes tree preservation by protecting the treed environment of the City of Lakewood by regulating the removal of significant trees and providing incentives to preserve trees that, because of their size, species, or location, provide special benefits. Tree preservation is an essential strategy for meeting Lakewood’s citywide goal of forty (40) percent tree canopy cover by the year 2050. Tree preservation protects and enhances critical areas, facilitates aquifer recharge, reduces erosion and storm water runoff, and helps to define public and private open spaces. [Ord. 775 § 1 (Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 726 § 2 (Exh. B), 2019.]