Michigan yards can hide a few tree troublemakers that look harmless until the state steps in. I spotted one in my neighborhood once and had no clue it wasn’t allowed.
These species can cause issues you don’t want to deal with later. Clearing them out early keeps your yard—and wallet—out of trouble.
1. Autumn Olive
Don’t let the pretty name fool you—Autumn Olive is a serious invader throughout Michigan farmlands and forests. Birds love the berries and spread seeds everywhere, creating massive thickets.
Farmers in rural Michigan counties often receive citations because these shrubby trees take over pastures and fields. Once established, they form impenetrable walls that crowd out valuable native plants and disrupt agricultural operations.
State regulations require landowners to eliminate Autumn Olive populations promptly to prevent further spread across Michigan’s agricultural regions.
2. White Poplar
White Poplar might look attractive with its silvery bark, but Michigan homeowners quickly learn it’s a maintenance nightmare. Root suckers pop up everywhere, sometimes dozens of feet from the parent tree.
These aggressive roots damage sidewalks, driveways, and even home foundations across Michigan neighborhoods. Municipal codes in many cities classify White Poplar as a nuisance species requiring removal.
Ignoring removal notices can result in fines that increase over time, plus the city may remove trees at the owner’s expense.
3. Black Locust
Sharp thorns and aggressive spreading make Black Locust a hazard on Michigan properties. While native to other regions, it behaves invasively in Michigan’s climate and soil conditions.
The tree forms dense colonies through underground root systems that send up new shoots constantly. Many Michigan townships have designated Black Locust as a problem species requiring control or complete removal from residential areas.
Property owners face citations when these thorny trees threaten public spaces or neighboring properties with their relentless expansion.
4. Common Buckthorn
Common Buckthorn dominates Michigan’s list of most-wanted invasive species. Its berries act like a laxative for birds, causing them to spread seeds rapidly throughout natural areas.
Forest preserves and parks across Michigan spend millions fighting this invader annually. Homeowners bordering natural areas often receive mandatory removal orders because Buckthorn destroys wildlife habitat.
Michigan law in many jurisdictions makes property owners legally responsible for controlling Buckthorn populations, with fines imposed for failure to comply with removal deadlines.
5. Glossy Buckthorn
Similar to its cousin but even more problematic, Glossy Buckthorn thrives in Michigan’s wetlands and moist areas. It forms impenetrable thickets that eliminate native wetland plants.
Environmental protection laws in Michigan specifically target this species because it degrades critical habitat for amphibians and waterfowl. Lakefront property owners frequently receive removal mandates from county conservation departments.
Penalties for ignoring these orders can be substantial, especially when Glossy Buckthorn threatens protected wetlands or endangered species habitat in Michigan.
6. Multiflora Rose
Those innocent-looking white flowers hide a monster that Michigan farmers know all too well. Multiflora Rose was once promoted for erosion control but turned into a landscape-eating menace.
Its arching canes covered in vicious thorns form impenetrable barriers across Michigan farmland and roadsides. Agricultural extension offices throughout Michigan classify it as a noxious weed requiring immediate removal.
Rural property owners can face agricultural violation fines when Multiflora Rose spreads onto neighboring farms or public rights-of-way in Michigan counties.
7. Russian Olive
Russian Olive earned its spot on Michigan’s invasive species list through sheer stubbornness. Once planted for windbreaks, it now dominates areas where native trees should thrive.
The silvery leaves might seem attractive, but this tree transforms Michigan landscapes into monocultures. Sharp thorns make removal difficult, yet many Michigan municipalities require property owners to eliminate Russian Olive.
Citations are issued when these trees spread onto public land or threaten restoration projects aimed at returning native vegetation to Michigan ecosystems.
8. Japanese Barberry
Landscapers once loved Japanese Barberry for its colorful foliage, but Michigan ecologists now recognize it as a serious threat. Dense thickets provide perfect habitat for ticks carrying Lyme disease.
Beyond health concerns, Japanese Barberry outcompetes native understory plants throughout Michigan forests. Many townships have banned new plantings and require removal of existing specimens.
Homeowners in Michigan subdivisions near natural areas often receive removal notices, with fines escalating for those who delay compliance with local ordinances.
9. European Alder
European Alder spreads along Michigan’s streams and rivers, pushing out native trees that wildlife depends on. Its aggressive growth pattern disrupts natural riverbank ecosystems.
Waterfront property owners in Michigan face removal requirements because European Alder degrades fish habitat and increases erosion. State environmental agencies monitor watersheds and issue citations when landowners fail to control invasive alders.
Removal costs can be high, but fines for non-compliance with Michigan’s invasive species regulations can be even more expensive for property owners.
10. Siberian Elm
Brittle branches and aggressive seeding make Siberian Elm a liability across Michigan communities. Storms regularly bring down limbs that damage property and block streets.
Many Michigan cities classify Siberian Elm as a public nuisance because of safety hazards and maintenance costs. The trees produce massive amounts of seeds that germinate everywhere, creating constant removal work.
Municipal ordinances often require homeowners to remove Siberian Elms deemed hazardous, with fines imposed when property owners ignore safety warnings from Michigan city inspectors.
11. Purple Loosestrife
Though technically not a traditional tree, Purple Loosestrife grows woody stems and dominates Michigan wetlands like few other invaders. Its beautiful purple flowers hide devastating environmental impacts.
Michigan conservation laws specifically target Purple Loosestrife because it destroys critical wetland habitat. Property owners with ponds or marshes must eliminate populations or face environmental violations.
State agencies take Purple Loosestrife seriously, and Michigan landowners who allow it to spread can receive substantial fines plus mandatory restoration costs.
12. Callery Pear
Those gorgeous white spring blooms come with a terrible smell and worse consequences for Michigan ecosystems. Callery Pear, including Bradford varieties, has become invasive across the state.
What starts as an ornamental tree quickly becomes a thicket-forming nightmare in Michigan natural areas. Weak branch structure also makes them dangerous during storms, prompting many communities to ban them.
Michigan municipalities increasingly require removal of Callery Pears, especially near parks and preserves, with fines for homeowners who don’t comply with updated ordinances.