Tree Protection in Sterling Heights, MI (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Sterling Heights, Michigan, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
Sterling Heights requires 100% caliper-for-caliper replacement of any 'landmark tree' removed under a development permit, on top of the ordinance's regular tree-replacement rules.
Sterling Heights Landmark Tree Replacement
Significant RestrictionsSterling Heights Code of Ordinances § 51-44(C)
Landmark tree replacement required. When a landmark tree is proposed to be removed, the permit holder shall provide deciduous replacement trees with a cumulative caliper equaling at least 100%, or as otherwise determined by the arborist's assessment, of the d.b.h. of the landmark tree that was removed or proposed to be removed (rounded up to the nearest whole number). Landmark tree calculations...
Protected Tree Species
Sterling Heights protects 'landmark trees': any species 32 inches in diameter or larger, plus about two dozen listed species at smaller, species-specific thresholds like 16 inches for oaks.
Sterling Heights Landmark Tree Species Rule
Significant RestrictionsSterling Heights Code of Ordinances § 51-37
LANDMARK TREE. A tree that is naturally prevalent in the city and surrounding areas and that stands apart from neighboring trees due to unique characteristics, such as size and species, and which should not be removed unless absolutely necessary. All trees, regardless of species or condition (unless dead or diseased) 32 inches d.b.h. and greater and trees included in the following table of the ...
Parkway Planting
Sterling Heights sets exact placement rules for trees planted in the street right-of-way: no planting near intersections, and minimum clearance from the curb and sidewalk.
Sterling Heights Parkway Tree Planting Rules
Some RestrictionsSterling Heights Code of Ordinances § 51-6
The following regulations are established for the planting, trimming and care of the trees in or upon the public highways and public places of the city: ... (3) No tree shall hereafter be planted at the intersection of two or more streets or within 20 feet of such intersection; ... (9) No tree shall be planted nearer than one foot from the curbline or outer line of the sidewalk, unless a specia...
Looking for Macomb County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Sterling Heights city rules.
Tree Protection in Macomb County →