Tree Removal in Ann Arbor: Do You Need a Permit First?

Ann Arbor takes its tree canopy seriously, more than most Michigan cities. Before you remove a tree on your property, or hire someone to do it, it's worth understanding what the city requires. In some cases you'll need a permit. In others, you won't. And in a few situations, you'll owe the city a fee on top of the removal cost.

Here's a clear breakdown of how it works, based on current City of Ann Arbor ordinance and forestry guidelines.

The Short Answer

Whether you need a permit in Ann Arbor depends primarily on one thing: who owns the tree.

• City-owned street or park trees: a permit is required for any work - removal, trimming, even fertilization.

• Private property trees: generally no permit is required for standard removal, with exceptions for landmark and protected trees.

• Dead, hazardous, or invasive trees: can typically be removed without a permit, regardless of location.

Street Trees and City-Owned Trees: Permits Are Required

Any tree growing in Ann Arbor's public right-of-way (the strip of land between the sidewalk and the street) is considered a city-owned tree. The City's Forestry Division holds authority over all maintenance, pruning, and removal of these trees.

What is the public right-of-way?

The right-of-way is the strip of land the city legally owns along public roads, even if it looks like part of your yard. In most Ann Arbor neighborhoods, it's the grass strip between the curb and the sidewalk. You may mow it, but the city owns it. Trees planted there belong to the city, not you. In areas without a sidewalk, the right-of-way typically extends a set distance from the road edge onto what appears to be private property. If you're not sure whether a tree falls inside it, contact Ann Arbor Forestry before scheduling any work.

No work can be done on a street tree without a written permit from the city. That includes removal, trimming, stump grinding, fertilization, and insect or disease treatments. Doing any of this without approval is a violation of city ordinance.

The good news: the permit itself is free. You apply through the city's online STREAM portal at stream.a2gov.org. Once approved, you can hire a private tree service (like Martin Tree) to perform the work at your expense.

The Canopy Loss Fee

Free permit, yes. But if the work involves removing a city-owned street or park tree, you'll also face a canopy loss fee. This is the city's way of accounting for the environmental value that tree provided to the community.

The current rate is $250 per inch of trunk diameter (measured at breast height, or DBH). Replacement trees you plant can offset the fee, with each caliper inch of new tree reduces the total by $250.

Example: Removing a 12-inch silver maple and a 6-inch hackberry (24 total DBH inches), then planting three 2-inch replacement trees (6 caliper inches), results in a canopy loss fee of (24 - 6) x $250 = $4,500. This is the city's formula directly. (https://www.a2gov.org/forestry/trees-and-development/)

The canopy loss fee applies to development projects and significant removals. For a routine street tree removal as a homeowner, contact the city's Forestry division at trees@a2gov.org or 734-794-6320 to understand what applies to your specific situation.

Private Property Trees: Usually No Permit Needed

For trees growing entirely on your own property, not in the public right-of-way, Ann Arbor generally does not require a removal permit for standard residential tree work.

That said, there are important exceptions:

Landmark Trees

Ann Arbor maintains an official Landmark Tree List. These trees are designated as historically, ecologically, or structurally significant to the city. Removing a landmark tree without a permit is a serious ordinance violation and carries significant penalties.

If you have a large, old, or otherwise notable tree on your property and aren't sure of its status, it's worth checking the city's Landmark Tree List (available at a2gov.org/forestry) before scheduling any work.

Trees Near the Right-of-Way

If a tree sits near the boundary between your property and the public right-of-way, its exact status can be ambiguous. Root systems, canopy spread, and trunk position all factor in. When in doubt, contact the city's Forestry division before proceeding. It's a quick call that can prevent a costly mistake.

Invasive and Hazardous Trees

Dead trees, trees posing an immediate safety hazard, and invasive species identified by the state can generally be removed without a permit. The city recognizes that requiring permits for dangerous trees would create unnecessary delays. If you're removing a tree for safety reasons, documenting its condition before work begins is a good practice.

How to Apply for a Street Tree Permit

If your project involves a city-owned street or park tree, here's how the permit process works:

• Go to stream.a2gov.org and create a free account.

• Search for "Right-of-Way Street Tree" in the permit application section.

• Submit your application with details about the work being requested.

• Once approved, hire a licensed and insured tree service to complete the work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my own property in Ann Arbor?

For most private property trees, no permit is required. The exceptions are landmark trees, which are protected by city ordinance, and trees located in or near the public right-of-way. When in doubt, check the city's Landmark Tree List or contact Ann Arbor Forestry before scheduling work.

What is the canopy loss fee and will I have to pay it?

The canopy loss fee applies when a city-owned street or park tree is removed. The current rate is $250 per inch of trunk diameter, reduced by the caliper inches of any replacement trees planted. For a typical street tree removal, this fee can reach several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the tree's size. It does not apply to trees on private property.

Can I hire my own tree service to work on a city street tree?

Yes. Ann Arbor allows residents to hire a private, licensed tree service at their own expense through the city's street tree permit program. The permit is free and is applied for through the STREAM online portal. The tree service must be licensed and insured.

What happens if I remove a tree in Ann Arbor without a permit?

Removing a protected or city-owned tree without a permit is a violation of Ann Arbor's tree ordinance. Penalties can include fines and a requirement to replace the removed tree at your expense. For landmark trees, the consequences are particularly significant. It's not worth the risk. The permit process is straightforward and free.

How long does it take to get a street tree permit in Ann Arbor?

Processing time varies based on the city's workload and the complexity of the request. For standard requests, it typically takes a few business days to a couple of weeks. If you're dealing with a hazardous or emergency situation, contact the city's Forestry division directly at 734-794-6320 rather than relying solely on the online portal.

If you're planning a tree removal in Ann Arbor and want to make sure you're handling the permit side correctly, Martin Tree Service is familiar with the city's requirements and can help you navigate the process. We've been serving Ann Arbor and the surrounding Washtenaw and Livingston County area for over eight years.

Have a tree that needs attention? Request a free estimate and we'll take a look.