With election season in full swing and early voting starting Saturday, New Orleans candidates for mayor and City Council have weighed in on a contentious but often overlooked issue — protecting the city's ailing tree canopy .

Unlike many other issues, all of the mayoral candidates mostly agree with advocates' suggestions on how to save trees that can help cool the city during intense heat and prevent flooding.

Earlier this year, the city passed a revised tree ordinance sponsored by Councilmembers Lesli Harris and Oliver Thomas, who is running for mayor. The changes followed years of advocacy efforts by groups who pushed for stronger penalties and enforcement procedures.

"Rebuilding and fortifying the city's tree canopy from the devastation wrought by such major events as Hurricanes K

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