Trees

Chart of Trees
Trees Are Good
Tree Education Booklet
Tree Maintenance Guidelines
Tree Planting
Tree Planting Detail

On April 12, 2021 City Council adopted amendments to Chapter 30 Parks and Recreation and Chapter 62, Article II Trees, in the City's General Code of Ordinances, in order to merge the Tree Board and Park and Recreation Commission.  To view agenda, minutes and packets from previous Tree Board meeting, visit the Tree Board Page.  Links are provided below to City tree ordinances, management plans, guides, etc. 

Arbor Day 2024

The Dexter City Council has proclaimed the last Friday in April (April 26, 2024) as Arbor Day in the City of Dexter, and urges all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands.  The City will distribute 400 free seedlings throughout the Downtown.  A schedule of times and locations will be posted soon.

City Street Tree Planting Program
The City of Dexter operates an annual street tree planting program.  Property owners in the City have the opportunity to have a new street tree planted in their lawn extension (i.e., the area generally between the sidewalk and road).  The cost to property owners is $150/tree, and the city covers the remaining cost.  Together these funds cover the purchase and installation of a 2-2 ½-inch caliper tree.  Each tree planted through the program comes with a one-year warranty.   Applications are accepted on an on-going basis.  

APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED ON AN ON-GOING BASIS.   This is an opportunity for residents to have a new tree planted in their lawn extensions.  Your cost to participate in this program is $150, and the City pays the balance from its restricted tree fund. Together, those funds cover the cost of purchase and installation of a 2-2½ inch caliper tree and includes a one-year warranty.  Once the tree has been planted, the resident is responsibility to maintain and care for that tree, including watering it diligently during the first three years, especially during droughts.  The city provides tree watering bags to help with irrigation. Additional tree care information is available from the City, upon request.  Please contact the Office of Community Development (maniol@dextermi.gov or 734-580-2233) for more details or if you have any questions.

Spongy Moth  

Caterpillars of the adult spongy moth, formerly called gypsy moth, are hatching from eggs and starting to feed primarily on deciduous (leafy) trees. This invasive species can cause leaf loss and tree stress before they turn into their adult moth stage. Michigan State University Extension has updated its website sharing tips to help homeowners to protect their trees.

Outbreaks of spongy moth are not frequent, but are unpleasant to live with when they do occur.  You can learn more about why population grow and collapse and how you can deal with their impact by checking out the Michigan State University (MSU) Extension Integrated Pest Management website or downloading the following resources:

• Btk: One Management Option for Spongy Moth
• Using Bands to Protect Shade Trees from Spongy Moth
• Dealing with Spongy Moth Around Your Home or Property
• Spongy Moth Life Cycle
• A Virus and a Fungal Disease Cause Spongy Moth Outbreaks to Collapse
• New Name, Familiar Pest: Dealing with Outbreaks of Spongy Moth, Formerly Gypsy Moth – Q&A

Tree City USA
The City of Dexter has been a proud Tree City USA member since 2008.  Tree City USA is a nationwide Arbor Day Foundation program that promotes proper tree care and management in urban areas and calls attention to the economic health and aesthetic benefits trees offer.  Trees are also beneficial because they are a renewable resource giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires, and help beautify and give our community character.   

Street Tree Trimming
The City of Dexter is responsible for trees generally within the road right-of-way.  In most cases, the right-of-way, also known as a lawn extension, is the area between the sidewalk and the curb line.  The Department of Public Works (DPW) provides maintenance to trees located within city road rights-of-way and on public property.   Tree maintenance occurs on an on-going basis and includes inspection, trimming and removal.  When an inspection reveals a tree is dead, dying or diseased, the tree is removed, and the location is noted, so that a new tree can be planted the following spring or fall.   Residents can request tree trimming by contacting the Office of Community Development (maniol@dextermi.gov or 734-580-2233).