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1. What is the purpose of the Forest Preservation Ordinance?

Its purpose is to promote an increased quality of life through the regulation, maintenance and protection of trees, forests and other natural resources.

2. What does the Tree Fund have to do with the ordinance?

The Tree Fund was established for maintenance and preservation of forest areas and the planting and maintenance of trees within Canton. It is used to replace damaged or dead trees in the public right-of-way. If a developer is required to replace trees removed from a site and does not replace on the site, he may elect to pay into the fund in lieu of replanting on the site.

3. Do I need a permit to remove a tree?

Yes, the removal or relocation of any tree with a diameter at breast height (D.B.H.) of 6 inches or greater requires a permit. The removal, damage or destruction of any landmark tree or tree located within a forest is also prohibited without a permit. You must also obtain a permit for clear cutting or grubbing within the drip line of a forest on property larger than two acres.

4. Are there any exemptions to the tree removal permit?

Yes, all agricultural / farming operations, commercial nursery / tree farm operations and occupied lots of less than 2 acres in size, including utility companies and public tree trimming agencies, are exempt from all permit requirements.

5. How do I obtain a tree removal permit?

You can obtain a permit by submitting a Tree Removal Permit Application. The application contains the following information:

• The owner and/or occupant of the land on which the tree is located A legal description of the property on which the tree is located
• A description of the area effected by the tree removal including tree species mixture, sampling of tree size and the notation of unusual, scarce or endangered trees
• A description of each tree to be removed, including diseased or damaged trees, and the location thereof
• A general description of the effected area after the proposed tree is removed

6. Once a tree is removed am I required to replace it?

Whenever a Tree Removal Permit is issued for the removal of regulated trees, other than landmark / historic tree, with a D.B.H. of 6 inches or greater, trees must be relocated or replaced by the permit grantee if more than twenty percent of the total drip line area is removed. Tree replacement needs to be done in accordance with the following:

• If the replacement trees are at least two inches but less than 3 inches in D.B.H., the permit grantee will be given credit for replacing 1 tree.
• If the replacement trees are at least 3 inches, but less than 4 inches in D.B.H., the permit grantee will be given credit for replacing 1 and 1/2 trees.
• If the replacement trees are at least 4 inches in D.B.H., the permit grantee will be given credit for replacing 2 trees.

7. What about landmark tree replacement?

Whenever a Tree Removal Permit is issued for the removal of any landmark tree with a D.B.H. of 6 inches or greater, trees must be relocated or replaced by the permit grantee. Every landmark / historic tree that is removed needs to be replaced by 3 trees with a minimum D.B.H. of 4 inches. Size used to determine "landmarks" are determined by species.

8. What are the replacement standards?

According to the ordinance, all replacement trees must:

• Trees must meet both the American Association of Nursery Standards and the requirements of the State Department of Agriculture.
  
• Trees must be nursery grown.
  
• Trees must be guaranteed for 2 years, including labor to remove and dispose of dead material.
  
• Trees must be replaced immediately after the removal of the dead tree, in accordance with the A.N.A. standards.
  
• Trees must be of the same species as the removed trees. When replacement trees of the same species are not available from Michigan nurseries, the applicant may substitute any species listed in section four of the ordinance provided that shade trees are substituted with shade trees. Ornamental trees don’t have to be replaced with ornamental trees but it is encouraged where feasible.
  
• Trees must be located on the same parcel of land on which the activity is to be conducted. Where tree relocation or replacement is not possible on the same property on which the activity is to be conducted, the permit grantee shall pay monies into the Canton Tree Fund for tree replacement within the township. These monies shall be equal to the per tree amount representing the current market value for the tree replacement that would have been otherwise required.

9. Are there any trees that don't have to be replaced?

Certain invasive species, trees that are dead or dying at the time of inventory, trees in the public right-of-way, and 25% of the regulated trees removed do not have to be replaced.