BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Bellingham’s largest trees could continue to be protected throughout the summer.

The Bellingham City Council will consider extending the city’s landmark tree ordinance for another six months at its meeting on Monday, Feb. 10.

The ordinance was initially approved in May 2024.

It prevents people from removing or damaging any healthy tree with a trunk diameter of 36″ or more. Anyone who violates those terms will be fined between $800 and $5,000 for each instance.

Advocates of the ordinance claim the trees serve importance in climate regulation and supporting biodiversity. But local developers have pushed back on it, arguing that the new regulations have delayed housing projects.

The city says extending the ordinance would allow for time to formally review its effectiveness.