Last modified: 10/15/11

PVHA Grounds and Maintenance

Curb Trees

Many of our community curb trees are showing signs of healthy growth over this past year.  However, with this growth comes low hanging branches.   Branches infringing upon the citizens using the sidewalk must be trimmed back to seven feet as set forth by Canton ordinances.  This maintenance is the responsibility of the homeowner.  If you are unfamiliar with the code, Canton ordinances address curb tree trimming.  Listed below is the information from Section 78-2-C-8 in the Charter Township of Canton Codification of Ordinances:

  Sec. 78-2 Property Maintenance Requirements

(c) Standards

(8) Shrub and tree maintenance. All trees and shrubs must be kept trimmed so as not to encroach upon any public sidewalk or pathway. Clear headroom must be maintained of at least seven feet zero inches in height.

 This requirement has been put into place for the safety of the residents utilizing the sidewalks.  Please keep in mind that these residents include students walking in the dark to their bus stop.  Additionally, Halloween is fast approaching.  We want to eliminate the possibility of any potential injuries.

 If you do not have the ability or tools available to make your trees compliant, we can recommend landscaper Terry Lewiston.  Charges for tree trimming would run between $10 - $15 per tree for smaller trees and $20 - $25 per tree for larger trees.  She can be contacted at 734-716-0577. 

How often have you heard the phrase "beautiful tree-lined streets" when someone is describing the ideal neighborhood?  One way Canton Township has helped ensure we have maximum home values is through the street tree ordinance.  Each homeowner is responsible for the 3 trees in front of their house between the curb and sidewalk.  The tree trunks must be at least 2 1/2 inch caliper. 

The township offers assistance with the purchase of curb trees each year with their Tree Planting Partnership program.  If you have curb trees that need replacement, you can save hundreds of dollars by taking advantage of this opportunity.  Vouchers for the 2010 program will be available on Tuesday, January 3, 2012. Applications for the 2012 vouchers can be picked up in person at the Planning Services counter or downloaded off the township website. All applications are processed on a first come, first served basis.

The diagram below shows curb tree requirements: