Oakland County, MI
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Contact Info
Water Resources Commissioner
248-858-0958
248-858-1066
wrc@oakgov.com
Building 95W
Waterford, MI 48328-1907
Emergency After Hours: 248-858-0931
8:00am - 4:30pm
Trees
Due to overwhelming interest in the RainSmart Rebates program, a waitlist is now in place for all new applications. Applicants will be accepted from the waitlist on a first-come, first-served basis as additional funding becomes available. If you have any questions, contact rainsmart@oakgov.com.
Urban trees and forests improve stream quality and watershed health by decreasing the amount of stormwater runoff and pollutants that reach our local waters. The processes of rainfall interception, evapotranspiration, infiltration, and nutrient uptake are important for providing these benefits. Other benefits of planting trees include cleaner air, higher property values, energy savings, and increased wildlife habitat. Tree canopy (the area of leaves and branches that create shade) helps reduce the amount of rain reaching the ground before it becomes stormwater runoff.
New trees can be planted to reduce stormwater runoff. Tree canopy can intercept a significant amount of rainfall before it becomes runoff, particularly if the tree canopy covers impervious surfaces, as is the case for street trees. Through the processes of evapotranspiration and nutrient uptake, trees—even when located on a development site—have the capacity to reduce stormwater runoff volumes and improve water quality. Additionally, through root growth, trees can improve the infiltration capacity of the soils in which they grow.
Benefits
Trees offer multiple benefits to the community and the local environment, some of which include:
- Trees provide a cooling effect and can reduce air temperatures on hot days.
- Trees produce oxygen and reduce noise pollution.
- Trees increase property values.
- Trees conserve water and reduce soil erosion.
- Trees create wildlife and plant diversity.
- The presence of trees has mental and physical benefits. Studies have linked exposure to trees with reduced rates of mortality, cardiovascular disease, stress, and depression.
Considerations
Tree planting is a good option for most properties. Space constraints are the most common limiting factor.
Feasibility
Growing conditions and microclimates can vary from location to location. Final tree variety selection is determined by site conditions and design goals. Some considerations for tree and site selection are provided below:
| Considerations | Comments |
| Tree resources and needs | All plants require sun, water, soil nutrients, and growing space in order survive. Consider the resources available at the site when selecting a tree. |
| Native trees | Plant native trees. They tend to require less maintenance than many non-native trees. They also tend to provide better habitat for wildlife. |
| Invasive trees | Do not plant invasive species. They often outcompete native vegetation and tend to form monocultures. |
| Soil conditions | Sandy soils drain well but have less capacity to hold water and nutrients. Clay soils have high nutrient holding capacity but tend to be poorly drained making nutrients and oxygen unavailable to the vegetation. A soil test can help determine the soil conditions. Select species tolerant of the soil’s pH, compaction, drainage, etc. Replace or amend very poor soils, if necessary. |
| Space and soil volume | Ensure there is adequate soil volume for the proposed tree. If other plants are proposed to accompany the tree, use planting arrangements that allow shared rooting space. Picture the tree fully grown. Consider anything in that location that will inhibit its growth or become an inconvenience to manage. |
| Utilities | Call Miss Dig at 811 prior to digging. Consult local guidance to ensure compliance with setbacks from infrastructure such as streetlights, traffic signs, fire hydrants, driveways, street intersections, overhead utilities and underground utilities. Select appropriate species for planting near infrastructure. |
| Moisture | Consider where water collects on the site. Trees vary in their tolerance of flooded soils. If the selected site collects a lot of water, consider a flood tolerant species. If the selected site is extremely dry, consider a drought tolerant species. |
| Sun exposure | Select a tree species that will tolerate the amount of sun exposure at the site. |
| Outside damage | Use mulch to protect the trees from lawnmowers. Provide adequate setbacks between vehicle parking/access and the tree. Use protective fencing when the tree is young against animals, critters, etc. |
Note: Filter fabric is not necessary below the filter bed soil and should not be used. Direct contact between the filter bed soil and the existing soil provides the best opportunity for drainage.
Installation
It is best to plant while the trees are dormant in late fall, winter, or early spring. A step-by-step guide on planting the selected tree is provided below.
Maintenance
RainSmart Rebates does not cover the cost of tree replacement. It is recommended that homeowners purchase plants from a retailer that offers a 1-year warranty. The following maintenance should be performed to keep newly planted trees healthy:
| Maintenance Tasks | Frequency |
| Watering. Irrigation bags may be used to achieve a slower deeper soaking; however irrigation bags need periodic maintenance to ensure they are full of water and functioning. Empty, unmaintained bags can prevent rainwater from soaking into the roots. | Weekly during the first growing season. Monthly during the next two growing seasons. After three growing seasons, only during droughts. This will vary for each tree and site. |
| Prune dead, diseased, crossing branches | At planting |
| Additional pruning, mulching and protection from deer and other critters | As needed |