Street Trees
Trees in the public right-of-way can add beautiful landscaping to the street. Residents interested in planting trees in the public right-of-way must consider the issues below before planting, including:

PERMIT APPLICATION please click HERE to view the full no fee permit application with the approved species list

REGULATIONS & GUIDELINES are listed below:.

  • Call MISS DIG at (800)482-7171 before planting trees in any location
  • A City permit is required for working in the right-of-way
  • Trees planted in the right-of-way must be at least 1 inch in diameter
  • No tree shall be placed so as to cause a traffic hazard
  • Trees shall be planted at least 30 feet apart
  • No tree shall be planted where the space between the curb and sidewalk is less than 5 feet
  • No tree shall be planted closer than 2 feet from the curb

RECOMMENDED SPECIES Please click HERE to view the recommended species list.

VISIBILITY/HAZARD ISSUES to consider:

  • Obstruction of overhead wires by future growth
  • Traffic hindrances from branches when turning from driveways or intersections
  • Possible interference to pedestrians/vehicles from hanging branches
  • Possible sidewalk cracks from root system creating hazards for pedestrians
  • Sufficient water, light, and care for tree in the right-of-way
After considering the Hazard issues above and deciding the location is suitable, consider the following recommended tree species.

RECOMMENDED TREE SPECIES:

  • Tree Lilac
  • Serviceberry
  • Elm hybrid
  • Yellow Poplar
  • Black Gum
  • Hornbeam
  • London Plane
  • Crab Apple
  • Hackberry
  • Kentucky Coffee
  • Zelkova
  • Basswood
  • Linden
  • Ginkgo
  • Horse Chestnut
  • River Birch
  • Hawthorn
PROHIBITED TREES:

  • Ash
  • Box Elder
  • Catalpas
  • Cottonwood
  • Bradford Pear
  • Soft Maple
  • Cottonwood
  • Mulberry

For more information, call the Department of Public Works at 616-538-1990.