Does Royal Oak Have a Program to Replace Diseased Trees?

Patch reader Joel wrote:

Hi, maybe you can help me. I've lived in Royal Oak for six years, and the city has cut down two trees in front of my house and last year demanded I cut down another on my property due to Dutch elm disease.

I was told the city does not replace trees, but I could purchase them seasonally. Do you know anything about this? The trees are getting slim around Royal Oak and I think it would be great if we had better programs advertised to reline our streets.

To answer Joel's question, Patch forwarded it to Greg Rassel, director of recreation and public service for the City of Royal Oak. Here's what he said:

Rassel: We run an annual tree sale in the spring where residents can purchase from five different varieties. The cost is $110 and if planted on city property we will install.

The City of Royal Oak has a disease tree ordinance and the Dutch elm is the only tree that is specifically condemned by ordinance.

Learn more

The annual tree sale takes place every March. If you are interested in the program call the Department of Public Service at 248-246-3300 and your name will be added to a waiting list for the 2014 spring planting. 

To read more about the eradication of elm trees infected with the with the fungus Ceratostomella ulmi (Dutch elm disease) in Royal Oak click here.