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Canton staff present draft public-tree ordinance to pursue Tree City USA recognition
Summary
Township staff presented a draft public-tree ordinance that would codify standards for trees on public property, create a public tree advisory board and establish a low-cost contractor license; staff framed the ordinance as a requirement for pursuing Tree City USA recognition and as a tool to reduce harmful tree practices.
Canton Township planning staff introduced a draft public-tree ordinance that would formalize standards and procedures for trees in public rights-of-way, on township-owned land and in parks. Staff said the ordinance is part of the township’s effort to meet Tree City USA program requirements and to standardize practices that govern public-tree pruning, removal and planting.
What staff presented Staff said the draft is modeled on Arbor Day/Tree City USA sample language with modifications to reflect local practices. Key features described include: - A public tree advisory board (a hybrid advisory/management body) to coordinate tree care policy and standards. - A public-tree-care maintenance license for contractors working on public trees; staff presented a nominal $10 fee in the draft as an administrative mechanism and said the township board may set or change the fee. - Codified planting and pruning standards (species lists, spacing, planting sizes) intended to replace informal practices. - A low-barrier approach to enforcement and coordination with contractors, with the intent to prevent damaging pruning such as topping or cuts removing large portions of the canopy.
Why this matters Staff said the ordinance will help Canton meet Tree City USA program criteria and provide an administrative framework to minimize harmful tree practices and coordinate work done near rights-of-way and public properties. The draft also aims to make routine approvals and contractor oversight simpler by creating a calendar-year license for contractors who work on public trees.
Public and commission remarks Commissioners asked about the license fee’s purpose and scale, how DTE/contractor practices intersect with the proposed rules, and whether the ordinance would generate grants or other benefits. Staff said the $10 figure is an administrative placeholder and can be changed by the township board; staff also said the designation can help competitiveness for grants. No formal public hearing or vote was taken on the ordinance at this meeting; staff presented the draft for review and feedback.
Ending Staff requested direction and said the draft had been circulated internally and to Michigan DNR urban forestry staff. The commission did not take a formal vote; staff said the ordinance is a general police-power measure and that a separate public hearing is not required for this introduction. If the board adopts a public-tree ordinance, the township can proceed with the Tree City USA application and use the ordinance to guide public-tree management.
