FAQs

The Right-of-Way is delineated by legally established lines or boundaries and typically includes the road, the tree lawn (i.e. land between edge of curb and sidewalk) and the sidewalk.
No unauthorized treatment, trimming or removal of a City right-of-way tree by residents or contractors is permitted without written approval by the City of St. Joseph. Tree trimming and removal requests may be directed to the Department of Public Works at 269-983-6341, or by submitting the online request form found here.
Tree planting requests may be directed to the Department of Public Works at 269-983-6341, or by submitting the online request form found here.
Though this timeline may adjust year to year, the City makes an effort to do the bulk of its tree removals and plantings in the Fall months, and then again in the Spring on an as-needed basis.
It does not. Business Loop 94 (Lake Shore Dr.) and Michigan 63 (Niles Ave., Main St.) are considered State highway trunk lines. Questions or concerns about street trees along these roads may be directed to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). The local MDOT headquarters in Coloma may be reached at (269) 849-1165.
The City cannot lawfully perform any tree work within 10 feet of overhead power lines. Requests regarding power line trimming may be direct to American Electric Power (AEP) at (800) 311-4634.
As in the case of all property damage, it is always best to notify your insurance provider first to begin a claim. Your provider will direct you to contact a local tree service for the clean up of the tree, as the City of St. Joseph cannot perform any work once damage to property is involved. Any questions from insurance providers may be directed to City Hall at (269) 983-5541.
The City does not remove healthy trees due to conflict with the sidewalk. We realize this is a common problem, however, removing the tree will not fix the issue. Per city ordinances, it is the duty of the adjoining property owner to keep the sidewalk in repair at all times. It is recommended that the owner contract a concrete service who will cut away roots from beneath the sidewalk prior to replacing or repouring the slabs to a level condition.
The City does not remove healthy trees due to its dropping of natural debris (leaves, fruit, nuts, cones, needles, sap, pollen, etc.). Though at times it can be inconvenient, like leaves in the Fall it is the nature of trees to drop fruit, seed pods and other natural material, however, the benefits of trees in the community outweighs these minor nuisances. Per city ordinances, it is the duty of the adjoining property owner or occupant to keep the sidewalk free from debris at all times, so like snow, we ask that this debris be cleared as needed.
The City does not remove healthy trees due to conflict with underground service lines. It is a common misconception that tree roots break sewer/water lines when in fact the line is already damaged. Tree roots will only invade lines that have already cracked because of aging/drying joints or earth settling. Tree roots naturally seek out water, and when an old sewer/water line breaks or leaks the tree will actively thrive toward the newly found water and nutrients. Removing the tree will not solve the problem, as it is actually a plumbing issue. It is recommended that the owner contact a plumbing service to repair or replace the service line, at which time any impeding roots will be cleared away.
No unauthorized treatment, trimming or removal of a City right-of-way tree by residents or contractors is permitted. On rare occasion, the City has allowed a removal at the property owner's expense, but only with expressed written approval by the City of St. Joseph. In such cases, the City requires the work to be performed by an insured, reputable tree service, and that the stump be ground down below grade and the area restored with topsoil and seed. The City also asks that the removed tree be replaced with a new planting from the city's approved tree list.
Absolutely. However, it must come from the City of St. Joseph Approved Street Tree List which can be viewed in the supporting documents found here. If no request is made the City will simply choose an approved tree based upon availability.
The City will only plant new trees that fall within the city right-of-way, and where there is sufficient space. Approval of a new street tree is based upon criteria that includes the width of the tree lawn, as well as the proximity to underground utilities, overhead utilities, street signs, traffic lights, power poles, driveways, fire hydrants, walkways, etc.
Upon installation of a new street tree, residents are asked to assist in the continued survival and vitality of the tree. Various proper tree health care practices may be viewed in the supporting documents found here.