Tree Protection in Grand Rapids, MI (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Grand Rapids, Michigan, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
Grand Rapids designates trees of exceptional historic, cultural, or ecological value as Public or Private Landmark Trees through its Urban Forestry Committee, protecting each one for the life of the tree.
Grand Rapids Landmark Tree Designation Program
Some RestrictionsGrand Rapids City Code §§ 3.64–3.66 (Chapter 42, Article 8 — Landmark Trees)
Sec. 3.64. - Landmark Tree Program. The City Commission hereby establishes a Landmark Tree program to recognize certain trees of historic, cultural or ecological value within the City of Grand Rapids. ... Sec. 3.65.(1) A public tree, in fair or better condition, that is determined to be of unique and intrinsic value to the City and residents because of its size, age, historic significance, or e...
Protected Tree Species
Grand Rapids' zoning code protects any tree six inches or more in trunk diameter from removal during site development, requiring preservation plans and marked root-protection zones under Chapter 61.
Grand Rapids Protects Trees During Development
Some RestrictionsGrand Rapids City Code § 5.16.02 (Chapter 61 — Zoning Ordinance, Article 16, Definitions)
TREE, PROTECTED. Any tree having a diameter of six (6) inches DBH or larger or having an aggregate diameter of fifteen (15) inches DBH or greater.5.TREE AND ROOT PROTECTION PLAN. A written document included in construction plans and specifications that defines the protection perimeter and details measures designed to project and prevent damage to existing trees during all phases of the project....
Parkway Planting
Grand Rapids requires one small street tree per 25 feet of lot frontage, or a medium/large tree per 40 feet, whenever a site triggers a LUDS permit.
Grand Rapids Parkway Tree Planting Standards
Some RestrictionsGrand Rapids City Code § 5.11.13.C.2.a
Streetscape Trees. At least one (1) small tree shall be planted for each twenty-five (25) feet of lot frontage or any fraction over twenty-five (25) feet. As an alternative, one (1) medium or large tree may be planted for each forty (40) feet of lot frontage or for any fraction of forty (40) feet.
Looking for Kent County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Grand Rapids city rules.
Tree Protection in Kent County →