Landscaping Rules in Ann Arbor, MI (2026)
4 verified landscaping rules for Ann Arbor, Michigan, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Ann Arbor requires private property owners to trim trees, shrubs, and other vegetation to keep 8 feet of clearance over sidewalks and 14 feet over streets under Chapter 40 of the City Code.
Ann Arbor Tree Trimming Clearance
Some RestrictionsAnn Arbor City Code § 3:14 (Chapter 40, Trees and Other Vegetation)
Trees, shrubs, and other vegetation on private property shall be maintained to allow 8 feet of clearance over sidewalks and 14 feet of clearance over streets. Shrubs and other vegetation adjacent to intersections shall be maintained to allow for adequate sight distance within the sight triangle and shall not exceed 30 inches in height.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Ann Arbor gives its City Administrator sole authority over trees and shrubs in street rights-of-way, lawn extensions, and other city land, and bars anyone from planting, removing, or injuring them without written permission.
Ann Arbor Right-of-Way Tree Permit
Significant RestrictionsAnn Arbor City Code § 3:12 (Chapter 40, Trees and Other Vegetation)
The City Administrator shall have the sole authority over the planting, maintenance and removal of trees and shrubs in the street right-of-way, lawn extension, and other city property. No person without written permission of the City Administrator shall plant, remove, break, spray or take any action which will injure or destroy any tree or shrub, the base of which is located in the street right...
Weed Ordinances
Ann Arbor's Chapter 40 tree-and-vegetation ordinance makes every owner responsible for the lawn extension between the sidewalk and curb, requiring grass at 12 inches or less and backing that up with a notice-and-abate process with escalating civil fines.
Ann Arbor's Right-of-Way Weed Ordinance
Some RestrictionsAnn Arbor City Code § 3:15 (Chapter 40 — Trees and Other Vegetation)
The owner of every parcel of land is responsible for grading, planting, mowing and raking the lawn extension in the city right-of-way so that it is covered at least with grass with a height not in excess of 12 inches or with other cultivated herbaceous plants with a foliage height not in excess of 36 inches above the adjacent sidewalk or ground surface except at intersections and along curves...
Rainwater Harvesting
Ann Arbor doesn't mandate rainwater harvesting, but the city's stormwater utility pays quarterly bill credits for rain barrels, rain gardens, cisterns, and dry wells installed on a property in Washtenaw County.
Ann Arbor Stormwater Credits for Rain Barrels
Few RestrictionsAnn Arbor City Code § 2:211 (Chapter 33 – Stormwater System)
Installation and maintenance of rain barrels, rain gardens, cisterns, dry wells, bioswales, and other water quality controls in addition to those required of the property owner under Chapter 55