# Tree-Root Sidewalk Damage in Detroit, MI: Who Pays? | Who Pays the Repair?

> In Detroit the owner keeps the sidewalk in repair, but the City may replace City-tree root damage for free under its Tree Guarantee Policy.

**Who pays:** shared

Detroit: the owner keeps the sidewalk in repair, but the City may replace City-tree root damage for free under its Tree Guarantee Policy.

**Boundary:** Detroit property owners must keep the adjacent sidewalk in good repair, BUT under the City’s "Tree Guarantee Policy" the City may replace, for free, sidewalk sections damaged by the roots of trees between the curb and sidewalk (City trees in the City-controlled berm/right-of-way), if criteria are met.

**Property owner:** Keep the adjacent sidewalk in good repair generally (DPW Sidewalk Program), except City-tree root damage covered by the Tree Guarantee Policy.

**City / agency:** The City may replace sidewalk sections damaged by roots of a City tree between curb and sidewalk for free under the Tree Guarantee Policy (criteria apply); the berm between curb and sidewalk is City-controlled right-of-way.

**Exceptions:** City-tree root damage (curb-to-sidewalk berm): free City replacement under the Tree Guarantee Policy, criteria-based.

## Sources
- [City of Detroit: Sidewalk Program (owner duty + Tree Guarantee Policy for City-tree root damage)](https://detroitmi.gov/departments/department-public-works/sidewalk-program) — "Did you know that property owners in the City of Detroit are responsible for cleaning and maintaining the sidewalk adjacent to their property?... This includes keeping the sidewalks in good repair, free from hazardous conditions... Sidewalks damaged by roots of trees that are between the curb and sidewalk may be replaced by the City under the 'Tree Guarantee Policy'; however, certain criteria must be met in order for free replacement to occur." (accessed 2026-09-09)
- [City of Detroit: Right of Way Permits and Standards (curb-to-sidewalk berm is City-controlled ROW)](https://detroitmi.gov/departments/department-public-works/right-way-permits-and-standards) — "Right of Way (RoW) is land controlled by public agencies that includes streets, alleys, public sidewalks, curbs, and the berm/green area, which is the area between the curb and sidewalk. Work within the city's Right of Way is managed by the City Engineering Division of the Department of Public [Works]." (accessed 2026-09-09)

_Last verified 2026-09-09. Source: Who Pays the Repair? — https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/detroit-mi-tree-roots/ — every claim checked against a primary source before publication (see /methodology/)._