Tree Trimming: Grand Rapids vs Kentwood

Am I responsible for trimming trees near the sidewalk in Grand Rapids?

Yes. Property owners must maintain at least 8 feet of clearance over sidewalks and 14 feet over streets. Contact the forestry division for city-owned tree issues.

Can I trim a city tree in front of my Grand Rapids house?

No. City-owned street and boulevard trees are managed by the forestry division. Trimming without permission can result in fines. Report issues so the city can schedule work.

Who handles a hazardous tree branch over the street in Grand Rapids?

Report hazardous branches on city trees to the forestry division. For trees on your property, you are responsible for removing the hazard to keep sidewalks and streets safe.

Do I need a permit to trim the tree in front of my house in Kent County?

If the tree is in the county road right-of-way — which on most Kent County roads extends about 33 feet from the road centerline — yes, you need a Kent County Road Commission permit under the KCRC Tree Cutting Policy. If the tree is entirely on private property outside the ROW, KCRC has no jurisdiction and you should check your township or city tree ordinance instead. When in doubt, call KCRC at (616) 242-6920 before cutting.

How wide is the Kent County road right-of-way?

On most county-jurisdiction roads in Kent County, the statutory right-of-way is 66 feet wide — 33 feet on each side of the centerline. Some older roads have a narrower easement. The actual paved travel lane occupies only a portion of that ROW, so the grass strip, the ditch, and a fair amount of the area between the road and your fence line is usually in the public right-of-way even though you mow it.

What happens if I cut a tree in the Kent County road right-of-way without a permit?

KCRC can issue a stop-work order, require you to obtain an after-the-fact permit at a higher fee, and bill you for restoration including replacement plantings. Under MCL 247.171, willfully damaging a public highway — which includes unauthorized cutting of ROW trees that affect the road — is a misdemeanor. The safer path is always to call (616) 242-6920 before starting any vegetation work near a county road.

Will Kent County trim my tree for free if it overhangs the road?

KCRC routinely trims ROW trees that compromise sight distance, vehicle clearance, or road structure — and they do this work without charging the adjacent property owner because the tree is on public right-of-way. If you have a specific tree blocking sight lines at an intersection or scraping high-profile vehicles, you can report it to KCRC by phone or email and they will evaluate it. KCRC will not, however, perform purely cosmetic trimming on a homeowner's request.