Westland, MI Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Prohibited species
- Poplar, willow, box elder, elm
- Code section
- Westland Code § 106-1
- Approved planting list
- Red Sunset/Norway Maple, Bradford Pear
- Diseased elm duty
- Removal within 10 days of notice
Summary
Westland's vegetation code labels poplar, willow, box elder, and elm as 'prohibited species': trees excluded from the short list of species approved for new-construction and replacement plantings under the same chapter.
Prohibited species means any tree of the species of poplar (populus species), willow (salix species), box elder (acer negundo), and elm (ulmus).
Street means all of the land lying between property lines on either side of all streets, highways and boulevards in the city.
Tree means trees, shrubs, bushes and all other woody vegetation. Trees shall not include shrubs or bushes shorter than 15 feet in height.
(Code 1981, § 36-1)
Cross reference— Definitions generally, § 1-2.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 66).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 106 (Vegetation) of the Westland Code of Ordinances defines 'prohibited species' as any tree of the poplar, willow, box elder, or elm species. The same chapter's planting standard, Sec. 106-2, limits the trees an owner may install for a certificate of occupancy or as a required replacement to Red Sunset Maple, Norway Maple, or Bradford Pear: excluding all four prohibited species from that approved list. Elm carries an added duty: Article III of the chapter requires the director of public service to remove and burn any elm found infected with Dutch elm disease or elm blight.
Violations & Fines
No standalone fine attaches to the definition itself; an owner who lets an elm die of Dutch elm disease faces a 10-day removal notice, and unpaid removal costs become a lien on the property under Sec. 106-68.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant a poplar, willow, box elder, or elm tree in Westland?
What happens if my elm gets Dutch elm disease?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Westland
Compare Westland to another location·View the Michigan invasive plant rules overview
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Prohibited Species in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wayne County handle prohibited species.