Ann Arbor, MI Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Ann Arbor, MI, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Authority
- City Administrator, sole control
- Covers
- ROW, lawn extension, city land
- Requires
- written permission before any work
- Max fine
- $1,000 per violation
Summary
Ann Arbor gives its City Administrator sole authority over trees and shrubs in street rights-of-way, lawn extensions, and other city land, and bars anyone from planting, removing, or injuring them without written permission.
The City Administrator shall have the sole authority over the planting, maintenance and removal of trees and shrubs in the street right-of-way, lawn extension, and other city property. No person without written permission of the City Administrator shall plant, remove, break, spray or take any action which will injure or destroy any tree or shrub, the base of which is located in the street right-of-way, lawn extension, or other city land.
(Ord. No. 43-04, § 17, 1-3-05; Ord. No. 19-05, § 2, 5-16-05; Ord. No. 25-34, § 1, 12-1-25)
3:13. - Private grounds. No tree or other vegetation which by virtue of disease, damage or insect infestation presents a hazard to persons or vegetation on public property shall be maintained on private property.
3:14. - Trimming and corner clearance. (1)Trees, shrubs, and other vegetation on private property shall be maintained to allow 8 feet of clearance over sidewalks and 14 feet of clearance over streets.(2)Shrubs and other vegetation adjacent to intersections shall be maintained to allow for adequate sight distance within the sight triangle and shall not exceed 30 inches in height.(3)Trees, shrubs, vegetation, and rain gardens on private property must be brought into compliance with this section within 90 days after the effective date of this chapter. (Ord. No. 19-05, § 3, 5-16-05; Ord. No. 15-09, § 2, 10-5-15; Ord. No. 25-34, § 1, 12-1-25)
3:15. - Lawn extension and city right-of-way.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 26 Update 4).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 3:12 (Chapter 40, Trees and Other Vegetation) makes the City Administrator the sole authority over planting, maintenance, and removal of trees and shrubs in the street right-of-way, lawn extension, and other city property. No one may plant, remove, break, spray, or take any action that would injure or destroy a tree or shrub rooted in the right-of-way, lawn extension, or other city land without the Administrator's written permission. The rule covers city-controlled trees, not trees on private property, which fall under separate maintenance and clearance sections of the same chapter.
Violations & Fines
Unpermitted right-of-way tree work is a civil infraction under §3:19: fines start at $100 for a first offense and rise to $500+ for repeats, capped at $1,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant a tree in the strip between the sidewalk and street?
Does this rule cover trees in my own yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ann Arbor
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