Troy, MI Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)

1 of Troy's Zoning Ordinance defines a Landmark Tree as a woody plant in healthy, live condition, meaning it scores above a 50 percent health and condition factor under International Society of Arboriculture standards. Dozens of named species qualify once they reach a minimum trunk diameter at breast height, ranging from 18 inches for species like Basswood, American Beech, Black Walnut and Douglas Fir down to 8 inches for species like Redbud, Serviceberry and Flowering Dogwood. Separately, any healthy tree of 24 inches DBH or greater counts as a Landmark Tree regardless of species, except trees classified as invasive.

02 or subdivision review under Chapter 41 of the City Code, not to existing residential lots making no development application. 1 to treat Landmark Trees as an important site design element that "should not be removed for development," and site plans must locate grading, utilities and buildings to avoid a tree's critical root zone where practicable. b requires the developer to replace the removed Landmark Tree inch-for-inch at 100 percent of its DBH with non-sterile, southeast-Michigan-native replacement stock. Appeals or variance requests go to the Zoning Board of Appeals under Article 15.