PRESERVE THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF SOUTHFIELD! 

The City of Southfield requires residents or their contractors to obtain a permit prior to removing any trees 8” in diameter or larger on public or private property.

Permits are issued at no charge by the Planning Department under the City’s Woodland and Tree Preservation Ordinance. Any tree 8” in diameter or larger must undergo an inspection prior to removal. Inspections and permits are required for all trees, regardless of size, within a woodland area as indicated on city maps. The only trees that do not require a permit are those found to be completely dead; orchard type trees such as apple or cherry; or trees damaged by a disaster that require removal to prevent injury to persons or property. No permit is required for the removal of ash trees; however, transporting ash wood from quarantined areas such as Southfield to other parts of Michigan is prohibited. Permits are also not required for trees that only require moderate trimming.

The Southfield Planning Department has a list available of licensed and insured tree services if needed.

TO OBTAIN A TREE INSPECTION, CALL THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT AT (248) 796-4156.