Taylor, MI Invasive Plant Rules: Tree-of-Heaven Removal (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Taylor City Code § 26-114
- Minimum tree diameter
- 2½ inches, measured one foot up
- Trees required
- At least one per platted lot
- Banned species count
- 8 species, including tree of heaven
- Planting deadline
- At occupancy or within six months
- Default penalty
- Up to $500 fine or 90 days jail
Summary
In the City of Taylor, Michigan, developers platting a new subdivision cannot plant tree of heaven as a required street tree. Taylor City Code § 26-114 requires at least one tree per lot in the street right-of-way and bans eight nuisance species, including tree of heaven, box elder, and elms, before the city accepts the subdivision's improvements.
(c)Street trees. Existing trees near street rights-of-way shall be preserved by the proprietor. At least one tree per lot shall be provided in the street right-of-way, between the sidewalk and the curb, and shall be planted at the time of occupancy or no later than six months following such occupancy. The trees shall have a diameter of at least 2½ inches measured one foot above the ground. The following trees shall not be permitted:(1)Box elder.(2)Soft maples (red, silver).(3)Elms.(4)Poplars.(5)Willows.(6)Horse chestnut (nut-bearing).(7)Tree of heaven.(8)Catalpa.
Full Breakdown
The rule sits in Chapter 26, Land Divisions and Subdivisions, Division 4 (Improvements), under Sec. 26-114, titled 'Sidewalks; walkways; trees; signs; streetlights.' It requires the subdivision's proprietor to provide at least one tree per platted lot in the right-of-way between the sidewalk and the curb, planted at occupancy or within six months after, with a trunk at least 2½ inches in diameter measured one foot above the ground. Eight species are barred from that required planting: box elder, soft maples (red and silver), elms, poplars, willows, nut-bearing horse chestnut, tree of heaven, and catalpa.
The section dates to Code 1987 § 29-69 and Ord. No. 68-8, art. V, § 502 (Sept. 8, 1969), amended by Ord. No. 68-8.1 (Jan. 11, 1971). It is a subdivision design standard reviewed alongside the general improvement approvals in Sec. 26-111, which puts final sign-off in the city council's hands, not a citywide mandate to remove tree of heaven already growing on established private lots. A proprietor's plans that ignore the list can be sent back before final plat or improvement approval is granted.
Violations & Fines
Chapter 26 sets no bespoke fine for Sec. 26-114, so a violation defaults to the Code's general penalty in Sec. 1-13: a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500 plus prosecution costs, imprisonment of up to 90 days, or both, and each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Taylor require homeowners to cut down existing tree of heaven?
Which other trees are banned from the required street tree list?
What happens if a developer plants a prohibited tree anyway?
How big must the required street tree be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Taylor
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Tree-of-Heaven Removal in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wayne County handle tree-of-heaven removal.