Tree Care and Planting

​​​​Street tree planting plan​

Street tree planting is conducted based on an annual plan that identifies the areas of the city that will be planted during the fiscal year. The planting plan covers two planting seasons, fall and spring. 

Fall planting takes place from September to December and spring planting takes place from mid-April through June.

Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 Tree Planting Area Map

All trees are planted in the right-of-way (ROW). The ROW is the lawn extension along the public roadway, usually located between the curb and sidewalk. However, ROW still exists even when sidewalk is not present. 

Want a Tree?

Street Tree: If you would like a tree planted in front of your home or in your neighborhood, please contact the city to request a tree planting. 

Private Tree: If you are interested in trees for private property, check out the 10,000 Trees Initiative.  Through the 10,000 Trees Initiative's FreeTree program, you can receive free seedlings to plant on your private property!

City staff evaluates each site to ensure that that the ​location is suitable for tree planting. A number of factors are considered when identifying planting sites including, existing trees/vegetation, available rooting space, and location of driveways and underground utilities. Unfortunately, not all sites will be suitable for planting.  Selected tree planting sites will be marked with a green stake and/or paint. Please do not move or remove these marking or MISS DIG utility markings. 

Wondering how to take care of the newly planted street tree? Check out these ​care tips (PDF). 

Around the tree 

• ​Maintain a 3-inch think mulch/wood chip ring around the base of the tree, but not touching the trunk. Mulch piled up against the trunk can kill the tree. 
• The mulch ring helps retain soil moisture, improves soil quality, impedes weed growth, and protects the trunk from damage. 
• Keep string trimmers (weed whips) and lawn mowers away from the trunk. String trimmers, lawn mowers, and other maintenance equipment hitting the trunk can damage the trunk and reduce the tree's lifespan and kill the tree.
• Avoid spraying any broad-leaf weed killers near the base of the tree.​​

​Tree planti​​ng resources 

• ​ Approved Street Tree List by Size (PDF)
  
• Approved Street Tree List with Characteristics (PDF)
  
• Forestry Permit​
  
• How to Plant a Tree Guide (PDF)
• Caring for a Newly Planted Street Tree (PDF)
  
• Tree Planting De​tail​ (PDF)​

Tree species information 

The ​​​City of Ann Arbor's Approved Street Tree List (PDF) supersedes other agencies/organizations recommendations.

​Please Note: species on the invasive spe​cies list are not approved are prohibited​ from planting within the City of Ann Arbor's right-of-way. 

• Michigan State University Extension- Home Trees & Shrubs
  
• University of Illinois Extension Selecting "Trees for your Home" searchable database 
  
• Ohio Department of Natural Resources Tree Index 
  
• United States Department of Agriculture Plants Database 
  
• University of Florida Tree Fact Sheets