Tree Program

Overview

The City of Pontiac, a Tree City USA community, spends a great deal of time each year maintaining the urban forest in Pontiac. The Street Department is in charge of maintaining all street trees as well as trees in city parks and public spaces.

As a result, the city receives dozens of requests each year for service ranging from tree trimming and inspections to removals. Along with these requests, we field a large number of general inquiries regarding city trees.

Tree Planting

During the fall of each year, the city plants trees in right of ways and parks. Residents wishing to have a tree planted in the right of way may contact the street department and request to be placed on the planting list. In September of each year, those on the list will receive a form with available trees to choose from.

The city will try to accommodate resident’s requests for placement and type of tree, but ultimately the city will determine the type of tree planted and location in the right of way. At times underground utilities will prevent the planting of a tree in the right of way. In this case the resident will be notified. Requests are taken on a first come first, served basis with the total number of trees planted being determined by the budget for a given year.

The city does welcome donation for trees for placement on the right of way or park. Contact the Street Department for information regarding this if you wish to make such a donation.