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Frequently Asked Questions About The Tree Removal Ordinance And Permit

The Village’s Tree Ordinance applies to all trees that are six (6) inches or greater in diameter (measured four and one-half (4 ½) feet from the ground). The Village recognizes three distinct categories of trees:

Heritage Trees
This item is available to view in PDF format. Tree List
NOTE: Heritage trees must be of a specified diameter to be considered Heritage; designated heritage trees that are smaller are considered Protected Trees

Non-Protected Trees
This item is available to view in PDF format. Tree List

Protected Trees
(all trees not on either two lists)

You DO need a tree removal permit if you:

  • Remove a Heritage tree
  • Remove more than two (2) Protected trees in a year

You do NOT need a tree removal permit if you:

  • Remove Non Protected trees
  • Remove two or less Protected trees (not Heritage) in any given 12-month period of time
  • Perform ordinary trimming or pruning of Protected trees as part of landscape maintenance
  • Remove or trim dead, diseased, infested, decayed or damaged trees
  • Remove a Protected tree located within ten (10) feet of an existing or proposed structure to avoid damage to the structure

If you need a tree removal permit, you MUST:

  • Replace or relocate every Protected tree on a one-for-one basis
    • Deciduous replacement trees shall be a minimum of three (3) inches in diameter measured four and one-half (4 ½) feet from the ground (also known as a three (3) inch caliper). For every one-half inch increment a replacement tree exceeds three (3) inches, the Village shall credit the applicant with having replaced an additional one-half tree
    • Coniferous replacement trees shall be at least eight (8) feet in height. For every one (1) foot increment a replacement tree exceeds ten (10) feet, the Village shall credit the applicant with having replaced an additional one-half tree.
  • Heritage trees that are removed must be replaced with a caliper that is at least half the size of the removed Heritage tree on an individual or cumulative basis.
  • Where the intent is to create or re-create a densely wooded option, the sum of the caliper of the replacement trees shall be equal to the sum of the calipers of the trees being replaced.
  • Replacement trees must meet Michigan Department of Agriculture Nursery Grade No. 1 and be staked, wrapped, fertilized and mulched. Replacement trees must guaranteed for at least one year following planting or be replaced.
  • Protected trees that were supposed to be saved that are damaged, shall be replaced on an inch-for-inch basis.
  • Where it is not desirable or feasible to relocate or replace trees, an amount equal to the value of the trees required to meet the ordinance, may be placed in a Village Tree Fund to be used to maintain and preserve trees in the Village.
  • Post a performance bond equal to the following:
    • Replacement Protected trees - $450 per tree
    • Protected trees intended to be saved - $450 per three inch caliper
    • Replacement Heritage trees - $450 per three inch caliper
  • Replacement tree location shall be approved by the Village so a relocation plan is required as part of the Tree Removal Permit
  • Failure to obtain a Tree Removal Permit shall be a municipal civil infraction and the replacement of illegally removed trees shall be on a one-for-one inch basis or payment to the Village Tree Fund.