Landscaping Rules in Westland, MI

If you live in Westland or are thinking about moving there, landscaping rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Westland has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of landscaping rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

When Westland approves removal of protected trees above the 20 percent DBH cap, or any landmark tree, the zoning ordinance requires replacement trees planted on-site under a set ratio.

Key details: Governing law: Westland Zoning Ordinance Art. XI § 11.11.6. Protected tree ratio: 1 tree per 6 inches DBH over cap. Landmark tree ratio: 1 inch replacement per 2 inches removed. Alternative: Tree fund payment or off-site planting. Adopted: Ordinance No. 248, effective Jan. 1, 2025.

Removing protected trees beyond the 20 percent DBH allowance, or any landmark tree, without planting the required replacement trees or securing planning-commission approval of a tree-fund or off-site alternative violates Article XI.

Water Restrictions

Westland restricts lawn, garden, and shrub sprinkling to an odd-even day schedule from May 1 through October 1, with watering banned during morning and evening peak-demand hours.

Key details: Restricted season: May 1 – October 1. Schedule: Odd address = odd dates, even = even. Banned hours: 6-9 a.m. and 4-8 p.m.. First-offense fine: $50 civil infraction. Adopted by: Ord. No. 256, 6-1-09.

Civil municipal infraction: $50 first offense, $100 second, $200 third, $500 fourth and beyond; each day of violation is a separate offense enforced by Code Enforcement, Building, DPS, and Police.

Tree Trimming

Westland requires owners to trim tree branches overhanging a street or right-of-way to keep at least eight feet of clearance and remove dead, diseased, or dangerous limbs that endanger the public.

Key details: Required clearance: 8 feet above street/right-of-way. Who must trim: Owner of the overhanging tree. City authority: May trim trees blocking lights/signs. Cure notice: 10 days before city acts.

After ten days' written notice under Sec. 106-9, the director of public service may have the trimming done and charge the cost to the owner; unpaid costs become a lien collected with the property's taxes.

Weed Ordinances

Westland's property maintenance code caps weeds and grass at eight inches, with a 10-day cure notice for growth up to ten inches and just 72 hours once it tops ten inches before the city cuts and bills.

Key details: Height limit: 8 inches (weeds/grass). 8-10 inch tier: 10-day cure notice. Over 10 inch tier: 72-hour cure notice. Unpaid fee penalty: 30% added, placed on tax roll.

Unpaid weed-cutting fees are spread onto the property's tax roll with a 30% administrative charge; owners may contest the fee before the neighborhood services hearing board under Secs. 22-135–22-136.

The Bottom Line

Westland's landscaping rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Westland is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Westland's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.