DEARBORN— the city highly encourages tree planting because it helps in reducing the intake of energy as well as maintaining an attractive image. Dearborn has been recognized as a “Tree City U.S.A” for almost 30 years for encouraging the sustainment of healthy trees and environment.

However, homeowners planning to remove trees from their property that are at least four feet tall and 16” in diameter must first contact the city. Removing or relocating a tree of that size or larger from any part of the property without city approval is illegal and is punishable by a $500 fine and up to 93 days in jail as a misdemeanor, according to the city’s website, cityofdearborn.org.

The best option is to obtain a city approval by filling out a free tree removal application at the website or visiting the permit office at the Dearborn Administrative Center.

The city arborist will come and assess the condition of the tree in order to gather information on the species it belongs to, as well as its health, vigor,  size and density. In addition, the removal or relocation of a tree will depend on whether it is diseased or if it will affect the habitat in a new location.