Rochester Hills, MI Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)

Section 126-397(3) of the tree conservation ordinance defines specimen trees for replacement-credit purposes as all trees 24 inches dbh or greater, plus any tree of a listed species that reaches a smaller threshold set out in the accompanying table. The table lists more than 30 species by common and botanical name with a minimum diameter at breast height ranging from eight inches, for species such as serviceberry, blue beech, redbud, dogwood, magnolia and witch hazel, up to 20 inches for walnut and 18 inches for the majority of listed shade trees including maple, oak, beech, birch, spruce, pine and basswood.

A tree that the parks and natural resources department has separately determined to be a nuisance because of non-native, invasive qualities cannot count as a specimen tree even if it otherwise meets the size listed. Because specimen-tree status is defined by species-specific diameter rather than a flat threshold, a permit applicant's tree survey under Section 126-359 must identify every tree's common and botanical name and diameter so the reviewing department can check it against the table. Preserving a qualifying specimen tree earns the permit holder one two-inch replacement credit under Section 126-397(3), while removing one requires replacement equal to at least 50 percent of the tree's diameter, on an individual or accumulated basis.