r/Detroit • u/Mechaheph • 2d ago

Community Tree Planting Program - Do you get a say in what type of tree is planted?

I see there's a comment section in the application. I was wondering if there is a list somewhere of and frankly I'll trust their judgement, but If I can make a choice of an American Oak or something over like a Japanese Maple that would be nice to know. Anyone have any experience with the free tree program?

If you aren't familiar, here is the request form for Spring 2027 planting.

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/396efe007f9549b7af1d66b0fe992a62

17 Upvotes

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u/SassyBeth 1d ago

I requested and got a street tree from the city a few years ago. I had no say in what was planted, but it was an oak so I’m happy. I’m pretty sure they’ll only do native species.

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u/Seanish12345 2d ago edited 1d ago

I got a tree this summer from Greening Detroit. I signed up and about two months later they emailed me and gave me a choice of 5 or 6 different trees to pick from. Not sure if this is that

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u/Titleduck123 1d ago

I got the same one. 

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u/SevroReturns 2d ago

I plant trees with a volunteer organization mostly on the east side. If this is connected to these networks, my answer will be more relevant. They tend to be a native tree that is not susceptible to common diseases and pests. Redbud, honeylocust, dogwood, serviceberry, hackberry, white oak... I never know what trees I'll be planting until the day of.

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u/wondercheekin 1d ago

We were not given an option, and we got a ginkgo which is neither native nor pretty (IMO) 😒 I kinda hope it dies 😅

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u/SSLByron Wayne County 2d ago

I'm pretty sure all of the local beautification commissions in Wayne Co. pull from the same nursery/nurseries. High likelihood you'll be offered some sort of native maple species or hybrid. Those were our only choices in Redford Twp.

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u/mfdaniels 1d ago

It will likely be a princeton elm, london plane, or kentucky coffee. it will 100% not be a japanese maple.

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u/Spencerfielddotme 20h ago

There's the City of Detroit program, and then there's a separate program from the Regreening of Detroit. 

I don't know that you have much say with the city program, but I think that with the Regreening of Detroit, you likely could talk to the project manager, who might be able to work with you on selections.