Tree Trimming: Kentwood vs Wyoming

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.

Do I need a permit to trim my own tree in Wyoming, MI?

Routine pruning of a tree wholly on your private property and outside the public right-of-way generally does not require a City permit. The City requires a permit to plant in the right-of-way, and any trimming of a right-of-way tree must be coordinated with the Wyoming Public Works Department at 616-530-7260 under Chapter 82, Article II of the Code.

Who handles street tree pruning in Wyoming, MI?

The Wyoming Public Works Department, located at 2660 Burlingame Avenue SW, maintains trees in the right-of-way (between the street and the sidewalk). Residents may request trimming or removal of City trees by calling 616-530-7260 or emailing pw_info@wyomingmi.gov. Trees near power lines are handled by Consumers Energy Forestry at 1-800-582-4238.

Can I trim my neighbor's branches that hang over my Wyoming yard?

Under Michigan common law you may trim overhanging branches back to the property line, but the trimming may not damage or kill the tree. Doing so can expose you to civil liability for waste or trespass. Use an ISA-certified arborist for substantial cuts, confirm the property line before starting, and avoid any work that interferes with utility lines.