Westland, MI Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Westland, 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
- Governing law
- Westland Zoning Ordinance Art. XI § 11.11.6
- Protected tree ratio
- 1 tree per 6 inches DBH over cap
- Landmark tree ratio
- 1 inch replacement per 2 inches removed
- Alternative
- Tree fund payment or off-site planting
- Adopted
- Ordinance No. 248, effective Jan. 1, 2025
Summary
When Westland approves removal of protected trees above the 20 percent DBH cap, or any landmark tree, the zoning ordinance requires replacement trees planted on-site under a set ratio.
a. Tree removals requiring replacement. (1) Protected trees. No more than 20 percent of the total DBH inches of all protected trees on a parcel may be removed. When more than 20 percent of the total DBH of all protected trees is to be removed, replacement trees are required. (2) Landmark trees. All landmark trees are regulated, and if removed, replacement trees are required.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Westland's zoning ordinance ties tree removal approvals to mandatory replacement. Once removal of protected trees exceeds 20 percent of a parcel's total DBH, the applicant must plant one replacement tree, minimum 2.5-inch caliper deciduous or six-foot coniferous, for every six inches of DBH removed above that threshold; a 350-DBH-inch removal on a 1,000-DBH-inch parcel works out to 25 replacement trees. Landmark trees carry a steeper ratio: one inch of replacement DBH for every two inches of landmark DBH removed. All landmark tree removals require replacement regardless of the 20 percent threshold. The planning commission or planning director may allow a tree-fund payment or off-site planting instead.
Violations & Fines
Removing protected trees beyond the 20 percent DBH allowance, or any landmark tree, without planting the required replacement trees or securing planning-commission approval of a tree-fund or off-site alternative violates Article XI.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many trees do I have to plant if I remove protected trees in Westland?
Is the replacement ratio different for landmark trees?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Westland
Compare Westland to another location·View the Michigan landscaping rules overview
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Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wayne County handle tree removal & heritage trees.