Royal Oak, MI Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

Section 710-12 sets species-based spacing for future plantings of shade and ornamental trees in City highways, parks and public places: elm trees no closer than 40 feet apart, oak trees no closer than 35 feet, and other shade or ornamental species no closer than 30 feet. A lot owner who wants a tree in front of their own lot despite that spacing can seek special permission from the Department of Public Works, but even with permission a new tree can never be planted within 20 feet of an existing shade or ornamental tree on the public highway or public place.

Section 710-13 then governs exact placement within the parkway, the strip between curb and sidewalk: trees may not be planted closer than 3 1/2 feet to the curbline or three feet to the sidewalk. Where the parkway itself is narrower than six feet six inches, the rule tightens further, requiring the tree to sit at least two feet six inches from the curb and as close to the midpoint between curb and sidewalk as possible, protecting both pavement and root space in Royal Oak's narrower older parkways.

Section 710-14 separately bars planting within 15 feet of a street intersection, and § 710-15 bans poplar, soft maple, willow and box elder outright from public highways, parks and public places City-wide, all administered by the same Department of Public Works. Anyone found guilty of violating this article, under § 710-19, faces a fine of up to $100 or up to 90 days in the Oakland County Jail or Royal Oak City Prison, or both, at the court's discretion, on top of any City replacement or removal costs assessed for improperly placed trees.