What Happens When a Street Tree is Removed?

To maintain a healthy urban forest, city or 'street' trees are evaluated by certified city arborists.

Tree marked for failing

The Blue Dot

Through periodic inspection and maintenance, arborists will identify failing trees with a blue dot -- typically for one of the following reasons:

  • Storm damage/structural issue 
  • Disease/fungus 
  • Root issues 
  • Construction damage 

The 'blue dot' indicates removal at a future date-- typically within six months.

Tree stump

Tree Removal Process

Trees are removed by foresters from J.H. Hart Urban Forestry. After the tree is removed, it could take up to six months for foresters to return to grind the stump.

Within two weeks after stumping, the city will remove any excess chips left behind by the contractor.

It is the property owner's responsibility to seed or sod.

New Sreet Tree




Tree Restoration

The good news is trees removed at the direction of the city qualify for a FREE replacement tree. 


The city will notify property owner's when new trees are available. They are typically planted in the spring or fall.

Water your new tree

Printer Icon Opens in new windowPrintable care instructions.

New Tree Care Tips

To help ensure the success of your new street tree please follow these guidelines:

  • For trees planted in the fall, water with five gallons of water at the base of the tree every day until October 31.
  •  A good watering is applied slowly with a soaker hose or a hose on a slow trickle.
  • Water once a week during the first two summers. Then water once a month the next two summers. If it has rained at least 1” during the week, watering is not necessary. Water deeply so the water can soak down to the depth of the root system. The soil should be moist but not soggy.
  • If you decide to use mulch, maintain a 3-inch thick mulch/wood chip ring around the base of the tree and not touching the trunk. Mulch piled up against the trunk, “mulch volcanoes,” can kill the tree. A mulch ring will help retain soil moisture, improve soil quality, impede weeds and protect the tree from weed whip/ mower damage.
  • Avoid spraying any broad-leaf weed killers near the base of the tree.
  • Keep weed whips/lawn mowers away from the trunk. Weed whip/ lawn mowers hitting the trunk can cause death due to repeated trunk injury. 
  • IT IS IMPORTANT to remove the stakes used to stabilize your new tree after the first year.


If the new tree doesn't leaf out or shows signs of failing, property owners should call DPS at 248-246-3300 and an arborist will come out to evaluate it.