Tree Protection in Michigan (2026)
19 rules on the books across Michigan, 12 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Heritage & Protected Trees
Extra protections for old, large, or historically significant trees, including the penalties for removing them without approval.
Sterling Heights
Significant RestrictionsSterling Heights requires 100% caliper-for-caliper replacement of any 'landmark tree' removed under a development…
Read full rule →Westland
Significant RestrictionsWestland designates certain large, healthy trees as landmark trees that are fully regulated: every landmark tree…
Read full rule →Grand Rapids
Some RestrictionsGrand Rapids designates trees of exceptional historic, cultural, or ecological value as Public or Private Landmark…
Read full rule →Protected Tree Species
Specific native species (oak, sycamore, walnut, juniper) protected by city ordinance, diameter thresholds, removal permits, and replacement ratios.
Sterling Heights
Significant RestrictionsSterling Heights protects 'landmark trees': any species 32 inches in diameter or larger, plus about two dozen listed…
Read full rule →Troy
Significant RestrictionsTroy's Zoning Ordinance protects "Landmark Trees": healthy trees of listed species meeting a minimum trunk size, or any…
Read full rule →Grand Rapids
Some RestrictionsGrand Rapids' zoning code protects any tree six inches or more in trunk diameter from removal during site development…
Read full rule →Westland
Some RestrictionsWestland caps removal of protected trees at 20 percent of a parcel's total tree diameter before mandatory replacement…
Read full rule →Parkway Planting
Permits and rules for planting in the parkway strip between sidewalk and curb, including approved species lists and Bureau of Street Services standards.
Clinton Township
Some RestrictionsClinton Township protects trees standing in the public right-of-way and controls where new ones can go. Section 1024.06…
Read full rule →Dearborn
Some RestrictionsDearborn sets exact spacing, species and clearance rules for trees planted along city streets and public parkways.
Read full rule →Detroit
Some RestrictionsNew residential subdivisions in Detroit must plant street trees meeting Recreation Department standards for soil depth…
Read full rule →Flint
Some RestrictionsFlint requires at least three feet of clear space between sidewalk and curb before a street tree permit is granted…
Read full rule →Grand Rapids
Some RestrictionsGrand Rapids requires one small street tree per 25 feet of lot frontage, or a medium/large tree per 40 feet, whenever a…
Read full rule →Lansing
Some RestrictionsLansing's landscaping chapter defaults the parkway strip to grass and requires City Forester and City Engineer sign-off…
Read full rule →Livonia
Some RestrictionsNew Livonia subdivisions must plant at least one shade tree in the parkway strip between the sidewalk and curb in front…
Read full rule →Sterling Heights
Some RestrictionsSterling Heights sets exact placement rules for trees planted in the street right-of-way: no planting near…
Read full rule →Troy
Some RestrictionsTroy's Zoning Ordinance requires one street tree for every 50 lineal feet of frontage along internal public or private…
Read full rule →Warren
Some RestrictionsWarren lets residents landscape the city-owned margin area between the lot line and the street through an…
Read full rule →Westland
Some RestrictionsWestland requires new homeowners and anyone replacing a tree to plant balled-and-burlapped Red Sunset Maple, Norway…
Read full rule →Wyoming
Some RestrictionsPlanting a tree in a Wyoming, Michigan public right-of-way, including the parkway strip between sidewalk and street…
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