By Dearborn Blog Staff | July 2025
The Silent Fall of Dearborn’s Urban Forest
Dearborn is losing its trees at an alarming rate—and many of them are being cut down without the proper permits.
Despite the city’s ordinance requiring a permit before removing any tree on private or public property, residents have increasingly ignored the law, leading to a quiet crisis of canopy reduction. This practice is undermining the city’s environmental resilience and community well-being.
📝 According to the City of Dearborn’s Department of Public Works, the number of illegal tree removals rose by over 30% between 2022 and 2024.
🧾 Data obtained through FOIA requests revealed that while 192 tree removal permits were granted in 2024, nearly 90 additional removals were reported by neighbors or discovered by city inspectors without proper authorization.
Why Trees Matter in Our Neighborhoods
Trees aren’t just aesthetic—they are ecological powerhouses. A fully mature maple or oak tree can:
Absorb 48 pounds of COâ‚‚ per year
Filter up to 10 pounds of air pollutants annually
Provide enough oxygen for two people per day
Cool the surrounding area by up to 10°F, reducing A/C demand
Reduce stormwater runoff by hundreds of gallons
🌎 According to the Arbor Day Foundation, “Trees in urban areas help save energy, clean the air, and mitigate the effects of climate change.”
Removing even one mature tree eliminates decades of environmental benefit that cannot be quickly replaced.
The Permit Process Exists for a Reason
In Dearborn, property owners are required to apply for a tree removal permit before cutting down trees—especially those in front yards or along streets. The process involves inspection by a city arborist, who determines whether removal is justified due to disease, safety concerns, or other valid reasons.
Fines for unauthorized removal can reach $500 per tree, plus replacement requirements.
🏛 City Council Member Susan Dabaja recently stated, “This isn’t just about regulation—it’s about protecting the lungs of our community.”
What Residents Are Saying
Public sentiment on the issue is divided, as seen across social media platforms:
💬 “I get it, trees are important. But when roots destroy driveways and sewer lines, people don’t have time to wait months for a permit.” – @AliD313 on Twitter
đź’¬ “Another giant maple gone on our block. No permit, no notice. Our street is 5° hotter in the summer now.” – Facebook group comment in “East Dearborn Neighbors”
💬 “People just cut without thinking about their neighbors. It’s like no one values shade anymore.” – Reddit user u/DearbornDan
Looking Ahead: Education, Enforcement, and Replanting
Dearborn’s Urban Forestry Division has launched new public outreach efforts to inform residents about:
The permit process
Tree-friendly alternatives to root disruption
Free tree planting programs in underserved neighborhoods
The city is also considering increasing enforcement funding and penalties to curb unpermitted removals.
Final Thoughts
Dearborn is recognized as a Tree City USA, a designation that reflects its commitment to urban forestry. But to live up to that promise, the community must work together—city officials and residents alike—to protect and expand our shrinking tree canopy.
Sources:
City of Dearborn Tree Ordinance
Arbor Day Foundation
US Forest Service Tree Facts
[Dearborn Public Works Reports, 2022–2024]
[Social Media posts from Twitter, Facebook, Reddit – compiled July 2025]
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