Taylor, MI Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)

Article III of Chapter 20, Environment, gives Taylor's parks and recreation department and department of public works joint authority over city trees, and Section 20-122(e) makes it unlawful for anyone to remove, destroy, break, cut or deface any tree growing in any highway or park in the city without first obtaining a permit from the recreation department. The same section also bars climbing a highway or park tree while wearing spurs unless removing it, attaching wire to a tree, and fastening signs, wire, or rope to or around a tree, all protections aimed at the same city-owned street and park trees the removal permit covers.

On private property, Section 20-123 works differently: the city itself can order out a dead, diseased, or nuisance tree that threatens other trees in Taylor. It sends the owner written notice, and the owner has 60 days from service of that notice to remove the tree at the owner's own expense. If the owner does not act within the 60 days, the city can remove the tree itself and assess the removal cost against the property. Article-wide, Section 20-119 sets the penalty for any violation of Chapter 20 Article III, including removing a highway or park tree without the recreation department's permit, at a municipal civil infraction carrying a fine of not more than $500.00 per violation.

That cap applies whether the violation is cutting down a street tree without authorization or ignoring the 60-day removal notice on a hazardous private tree.