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Tree permits · Michigan

Do you need a tree removal permit in Detroit, MI?

Protected trees

We could not confirm this from an official Detroit source. Call the city to check.

Street trees

The city generally maintains trees in the public right-of-way (the berm between the sidewalk and the street), along city streets, in city parks and on other city property. The page we checked did not list a permit process for residents.

Dead or hazardous trees

The Forestry Division removes dead or declining public trees and responds to hazardous tree concerns. Emergency-only forestry line: (313) 590-3336.

How to apply

General forestry issues: (313) 871-5461 (Forestry Division, General Services Department).

HOA note

HOA rules can be stricter; check yours.

A city permit does not override your HOA. Check your covenants before work starts.

For homeowners

Before a tree comes down in Detroit

  • Check the city rule above and call the city if anything is unclear.
  • Ask the tree company who gets the permit and put it in the written quote.
  • Get two or three written quotes from local insured pros.
  • Never cut near power lines. Call the utility for downed lines and 911 if anyone is in danger.

Find local pros on Google Maps and read their reviews. Lirevon does not do tree work and does not list or rank tree companies.

Own a tree service in Detroit?

Permit questions mean calls. Answer every one.

Missed-call text-back, lead follow-up, online booking and review requests, set up for tree companies. Link this page in your quotes so customers know the rules.

Marketing in Detroit Free audit

More tree permits in Michigan

See tree permits in every city we checked.

Detroit tree permit questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Detroit, MI?

We could not confirm a city tree permit rule for Detroit. Call the city before removing a large tree. We could not confirm a city permit rule for trees on private property in Detroit. The city's Forestry Division says the city generally maintains trees in the public right-of-way (the berm between sidewalk and street), while owners are responsible for trees inside their property lines and in alleys next to their property. Call the Forestry Division before removing a large tree. Our confidence: low. Short explanation, not legal advice.

Can I remove or prune a street tree in front of my house in Detroit?

The city generally maintains trees in the public right-of-way (the berm between the sidewalk and the street), along city streets, in city parks and on other city property. The page we checked did not list a permit process for residents.

Do I need a permit to remove a dead or dangerous tree in Detroit?

The Forestry Division removes dead or declining public trees and responds to hazardous tree concerns. Emergency-only forestry line: (313) 590-3336.

How do I apply for a tree permit in Detroit?

General forestry issues: (313) 871-5461 (Forestry Division, General Services Department).

Do HOA rules matter for tree removal in Detroit?

HOA rules can be stricter; check yours. Read your HOA covenants or ask the board before work starts.

What should I have ready before I call the city?

Your address, the tree species if you know it, the trunk width measured about 4.5 feet above the ground, photos of the whole tree, and whether it is near the street, a sidewalk or a power line. Ask if a permit is needed and how long it takes.

Will the tree company get the permit for me?

Some do and some do not. Ask before you sign, and get it in writing who applies and who pays the fee. In many places the property owner is the one responsible for following the rules.

Is this page legal advice?

No. It is a short, plain summary of public rules with links to the official sources. For a firm answer on your property, ask the city or a local attorney.

How current is this Detroit information?

We last checked it on 26 October 2026 against the official sources listed on this page. City rules change, so check the official source or call the city before work starts.

Can county or state rules apply in Detroit too?

Yes, they can. County rules, state rules for things like wetlands or protected species, and utility rules near power lines can apply on top of city rules. If your property is outside city limits, the county rules usually apply instead. Ask the city or county office.

Short explanation, not legal advice. Last checked 26 October 2026.

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