Tree Protection in Rochester Hills, MI (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Rochester Hills, Michigan, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
Rochester Hills protects landmark trees, those listed in American Forests' Champion Trees National Register or the Michigan Botanical Club's Big Tree Database, under a separate division of its tree ordinance. A landmark tree cannot be cut down without a tree removal permit, and when one is approved for removal the owner must replant to at least 100 percent of the removed tree's diameter at breast height.
Landmark Tree Removal Rules in Rochester Hills
Significant RestrictionsRochester Hills Code §§ 126-462, 126-463
Subject to the exceptions in section 126-266, a landmark tree shall not be removed without a tree removal permit. ... When landmark trees are permitted to be removed, replacement trees shall be provided to a minimum of 100 percent of the diameter at breast height of the tree to be removed. Replacement trees shall be provided either individually or on an accumulative basis to meet the 100 percen...
Protected Tree Species
Rochester Hills gives extra protection to 'specimen trees,' regulated trees at or above 24 inches in diameter or, for named species, a smaller diameter set out in a table in the tree conservation ordinance. Preserving a listed specimen tree earns a permit holder a two-inch replacement credit, and any removed specimen tree must be replaced to at least 50 percent of its diameter.
Specimen Tree Species List in Rochester Hills
Some RestrictionsRochester Hills Code § 126-397(3)a
a.Specimen trees include all trees that are 24 inches dbh and greater or all trees greater than or equal to the specific size as listed in the table below: COMMON NAME BOTANICAL NAME DBH (≥) Fir Abies spp 18" ... Serviceberry Amelanchier 8" ... Walnut Juglans spp 20" ... Oak Quercus spp 18"
Parkway Planting
Rochester Hills sets minimum planting distances for every street tree planted in a public right-of-way under City Code Section 106-56. Deciduous shade and evergreen trees need 10 feet from curbs, hydrants and driveways and 25 feet from public streetlights and overhead utility lines; sidewalk clearance runs 5 to 10 feet depending on species. The Planning and Economic Development director can allow closer spacing only if it will not create an unsafe condition.
Street Tree Planting Spacing in Rochester Hills
Some RestrictionsRochester Hills Zoning does not apply; Rochester Hills Code § 106-56
(2)Spacing and distance requirements. The planting of new street trees shall conform to the following minimum spacing and distance requirements, unless the director determines closer spacing or a lesser distance will not create an unsafe condition, threaten pedestrian or traffic safety, interfere with public utilities or public improvements, or be too close to allow for the tree to grow to matu...
Looking for Oakland County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Rochester Hills city rules.
Tree Protection in Oakland County →