Charlotte Eases Up On $4,700 Tree-Trimming Fine

The city of Charlotte is easing back on a $4,700 it fined a church for the way it pruned some trees on its property. According to the Charlotte Observer, city officials say they'll work with Albemarle Road Presbyterian Church to find a way to avoid the fine. The city fined the church $100 per branch for the way it pruned eight crape myrtles. Charlotte's tree ordinance, passed in 1978, requires permits for pruning or removing trees on commercial and multifamily properties. Churches are developed as commercial properties. One solution for the church to avoid the fine is to add trees to its property.