Taylor, MI Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

Taylor City Code section 20-121(a) governs private tree planting on any public highway, defined at section 20-118 as all land between the property lines on either side of public streets, boulevards and alleys, which covers the parkway strip homeowners often plant. Before planting, a resident must get the superintendent of parks and recreation's approval of the kind, size and variety of tree and the exact planting location. Approval is limited to 12 named varieties: green ash, American elm, hackberry, Norway maple, sugar maple, hornbeam, oak, flowering crab apple, honey locust, hawthorne, Bradford pear or ginkgo.

The tree must also be free of infectious disease or insect infestation, and must measure at least one inch in diameter measured one foot above ground level when planted. Section 20-124 layers on placement rules: no tree within 20 feet of a street intersection, and none in the greenbelt closer than three feet to the curb or sidewalk unless the greenbelt itself is narrower than six feet, in which case the tree goes midway between curb and sidewalk. Overhanging branches must clear at least seven feet above a sidewalk and 13 feet above a roadway.

The parks and recreation department and public works department jointly direct all planting, care and removal of highway and park trees under section 20-120, and a violation of the planting article is a municipal civil infraction carrying up to $500.00 per offense under section 20-119.