Michigan Is Banning the Sale of These 4 Trees and Shrubs in 2028

There’s a decent chance you’ve got one of these growing in your yard. Maybe you planted it, maybe it was there when you moved in. Either way, you probably haven’t thought much about it.

Well, Michigan is banning the sale of four trees and shrubs starting in 2028. But hold on, that doesn’t mean you have to go outside and start digging them up.

What Changes Under Michigan’s 2028 Plant Restrictions?

According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the rules kick in January 1, 2028. After that, you can’t sell these trees and shrubs, bring them into Michigan, introduce them into new areas, or intentionally grow more to pass along.

See Also: Michigan Has a New Firewood Rule Coming in 2027

The problem? They’re invasive. They can spread and crowd out native plants. Just because something looks good in your yard doesn’t mean it’s good for Michigan.

Here are the four affected trees and shrubs.

Japanese Barberry

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Japanese barberry is a thorny shrub with small oval leaves and bright red berries. It might look good in your landscaping, but it can spread beyond your yard and crowd out native plants.

Callery Pear

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You might know this one as a Bradford or Cleveland pear. It looks great when those white flowers show up in spring, but it can spread beyond your yard and crowd out native plants.

Common Buckthorn

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Common buckthorn can grow as a shrub or small tree, with dark berries and little teeth along the edges of its leaves. Birds eat the berries and spread the seeds, which helps it pop up in new places.

Glossy Buckthorn

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Glossy buckthorn can grow as a shrub or small tree. It has shiny leaves and no thorns, but it can take over wet areas and crowd out the plants that belong there.

Do Michigan Homeowners Have to Remove Them?

Nope. If they’re already growing in your yard, the state says that isn’t a violation. You don’t have to run outside and start digging them up.