Residential Street Trees

The City of Sterling Heights is coming to a neighborhood near you to grow a tree-lined street, add natural air conditioning, and increase the aesthetic value of your neighborhood.

If you received a door hanger, it means that the City has planted a tree in front of your residence or place of business, and it is requested that you:

DO NOT fertilize the tree for at least one year. Fertilizer can dry out and damage young roots. Most trees don’t need it unless a soil test or arborist says otherwise.

DO NOT give the tree more than five gallons of water three times a week. Too much water, especially in clay, can drown the roots. Look out for hot or dry weather as the tree may need extra hydration during those times.

DO NOT use weed killers around the tree. As a broadleaf plant, the tree can absorb herbicides, which can harm or even kill it. Keep the area chemical-free to help it thrive!

DO NOT spray the tree with insecticides.

DO NOT trim the tree. The City of Sterling Heights will take care of that!

Please water your tree immediately upon planting. 

Water

Adjust sprinklers to run no more than five minutes every four days. Trees need less water than grass and can be overwatered easily, especially in heavy clay soil that does not drain well. If you do not have a sprinkler system, use a hose on a light trickle for 15 minutes every three days. That is the best way to keep your tree happy and healthy!

Mulch

Mulch helps keep the soil moist and weeds away. Add two to three inches of mulch in a doughnut shape around the planting area, but keep at least six inches of space between the mulch and the trunk. Never pile mulch against the tree. Say no to mulch volcanoes!

Shredded pine, hardwood bark, or wood chips are best for mulch. Avoid rubber mulch as it blocks air to the roots and releases harmful chemicals. Grass clippings should also be kept away, as they prevent moisture and oxygen from reaching the roots. Remember, the roots need as much air as the tree’s leaves!

Care & Maintenance

Keep the planting area (a four to five-foot circle) free of weeds, grass, and flowers for two years. This helps the tree settle in and establish strong roots in its new home.

Give specific instructions to your lawn service to avoid damaging the tree’s bark with any equipment. If the mulch is properly applied, the lawn equipment shouldn’t come close to the tree at all.

Hot, dry weather can cause trees to wilt. Keep watering so new leaves can grow. Trees can actually generate new leaves in the same growing season!

Please leave the tree in place. Do not remove!

For more information, please contact Sterling Heights Department of Public Works at 586-446-2440.

FAQ’s 

Why am I getting a tree?  

The Pathways to Play and Preservation Millage was passed by Sterling Heights voters in the 2024 General Election. This millage, along with accomplishing other objectives, provided dedicated funding in the City to restore our tree canopy in residential neighborhoods. Our residential canopy was devastated by the Emerald Ash Borer in the early 2000’s, and the gaps created in our tree canopy has had several negative impacts on our neighborhoods.  

Increasing our tree canopy will help control speeding in residential neighborhoods, relieve pressure placed on the cities drainage systems, help lower residential air conditioning bills, and create nice shade for those talking walks around their home.  

Can I opt out of getting a street tree?  

Participation in the City of Sterling Heights' street tree program is not optional, as it's a key part of our city-wide canopy expansion efforts for the benefit of all residents. Every site receiving a tree has been screened by city officials and has been determined as an important site for a tree. All trees will be planted on city-owned property, specifically the public right-of-way. 

Can I pick the tree in front of my house?

No, the city has thoughtfully selected trees for this reforestation effort to ensure they'll flourish and provide the most benefits community-wide.

Won’t this tree ruin my sidewalk/driveway?  

The species of trees selected as part of this planting initiative are all trees that are safe for use as right-of-way trees. This means they are less prone to damaging infrastructure, as their trees grow in a way that prevents damage to nearby pavement. Studies show that trees can increase the lifespan of a public street as well, by absorbing UV radiation from the sun.  

Won’t this tree ruin my powerlines or drainage ditch?  

We have been careful to plant the right tree in the right place. Each planting location has been screened, and tree species have been selected to ensure that they will not grow tall enough to interfere with powerlines or encroach on drainage ditches.

What type of trees are being planted on our residential streets?

Each tree planted by the City will include a tag identifying its species. Tree selection varies by location and is based on several factors, including proximity to utilities, overhead power lines, and site conditions to ensure long-term health and sustainability.
Click to view the full list of tree species and details.