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Commission approves moving forward on 2025–26 landscape master plan around Capitol grounds
Summary
Commissioners agreed to proceed with a two-year tree removal and planting plan aimed at restoring the Capitol's historic "alley of trees," removing identified hazard trees and shifting larger plantings to the perimeter.
The Michigan State Capitol Commission heard a detailed presentation of the landscape master plan and agreed to move forward with the 2025–26 tree-removal and planting schedule.
Executive Director Rob Blackshaw presented proposed plantings and removals the commission will implement over the next two years, describing hazard-tree removals identified by landscape analysts and Michigan State University specialists. He said one tree (referred to as Tree 12) was recently lost in a storm and that the plan emphasizes shifting large trees to the perimeter while reestablishing a dual-row "alley of trees" around the grounds.
Blackshaw said the plan follows the commission's approved landscape master plan adopted February 2023 and earlier restoration guidance. He noted the plan calls for new perimeter plantings of Michigan native hardwood species, with specimen sizes generally at least a 6-inch caliper at planting. "From 02/2025, this fall, we'll go to fall of 02/1926," Blackshaw said while illustrating phased visualizations for how the grounds would look after removals and new plantings. (The transcript contains an apparent date transcription error; the schedule discussed refers to fall 2025 into 2026.)
Commissioner Land asked specifically about the historic catalpa tree and a replacement plan. Blackshaw described a planned replacement: remove the failing catalpa when necessary and replant a new catalpa in its place plus a matching catalpa on the north side of the sidewalk to maintain historical symmetry.
Other commissioners asked about including smaller flowering trees in some areas; Blackshaw said the plan prioritizes Michigan hardwoods but that smaller species could be considered in locations such as Heritage Hall.
At the end of the discussion the commission gave direction to move forward with the 2025–26 plan without further delay; commissioners did not record a separate roll-call vote on the plan at this meeting.
