Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Tree Service

While our customers come from all walks of life, represent countless socioeconomic backgrounds, and have varying attitudes about trees, there’s one thing that most of them have in common: They have tons of questions about trees. 

Some are curious about the biology of trees, while others want to know more about the kinds of tree services that are common in Michigan. And some are curious about trees in general or the way the laws work with respect to Michigan’s trees. 

We’ll try to help below by answering some of the most common questions we hear every day. And to make things easier, we’ve grouped these questions into different subsections, so you can quickly find the answers you seek! 

Michigan Tree Service Questions

Unsurprisingly, the most common questions we get from our customers tend to relate to Michigan tree services, including tree removal, tree pruning, and dying tree care. Here are a few of the ones we hear over and over: 

How much does it cost to cut down a tree in Michigan?

Tree removal costs vary pretty widely based on a variety of factors, including the tree’s size, species, age, and condition, as well as the tree’s accessibility. A tree located close to the road, in the middle of your front yard, will be easier (and therefore more affordable) to remove than one tucked in a difficult-to-reach portion of your backyard. 

With that said, a very small tree located in a convenient place may cost only $250 or $300 to remove, while a gigantic oak may cost $2,000 or more to take down. And some trees – especially those that are hazardous or in danger of falling on a house – may cost $10,000 or more to remove (especially if a crane is needed for the removal). 

How much does pruning cost in Michigan?

As with tree removal costs, pruning costs vary pretty significantly, based on the situation. But generally speaking, having a small, healthy, easily accessed tree pruned will cost a few hundred dollars, while a gigantic oak may cost up to $2,000 to prune. 

What is the easiest tree to grow in Michigan?

There are a number of tree species that are easy to grow in the state of Michigan, but determining the one that is easiest to grow is impossible, as there are simply too many factors at play to make sweeping generalizations. You’ll have to consider your property’s sun exposure, soil conditions, and other characteristics to determine which species will tend to give you the best chance at success. 

With that said, a few of the tree species that are usually easy to grow in Michigan include white pines, red maples, sugar maples, willows, cottonwoods, and honey locusts. 

When should you prune trees in Michigan? 

The ideal time to prune Michigan trees depends on the tree’s species, health, and your overall goals. Are you trying to maximize fruit or flower production, or are you seeking to alter the tree’s structure? Are you simply trying to remove dead wood?

The best way to determine the ideal pruning time for your Michigan trees is to contact the tree experts at Treemendous Tree Care. Pruning some trees in the spring may prevent the tree from producing fruit or flowers, while tree trimming in the summer can expose others to pests and pathogens. 

Nevertheless, almost all trees can be safely pruned during winter dormancy. 

What tree diseases are common in Michigan?

Unfortunately, there are a variety of common tree diseases in Michigan. But a few of the most noteworthy include anthracnose, apple scab, various leaf spot diseases, and black knot. Armillaria is also an important threat to trees, but it is a fungal infection, rather than a true disease. 

With all that said, oak wilt is likely the most problematic disease currently affecting Michigan trees, and it often necessitates complete tree removal following infection. 

What invasive tree pests are common in Michigan?

A variety of invasive tree pests can be found in the state of Michigan, but a few of the most important ones to watch for include the Asian long-horned beetle, the hemlock wooly adelgid, the balsam wooly adelgid, the spongy moth, and the notorious emerald ash borer. 

What are the best shade trees for Michigan?

There is a litany of shade trees that grow well in Michigan; to determine the best one for your property, you’ll need to consider your site conditions, the space available, and your overall goals and preferences. 

White pines work well for those who’d like an evergreen species, while sugar maples are perhaps the best choice for people seeking a deciduous option (as well as remarkable fall color). Oaks can work well, too, but you must be willing to accept the threat oak wilt presents. 

What is the fastest growing evergreen tree in Michigan?

Several trees in Michigan can grow very quickly, and it’s probably not possible to identify one that always grows the quickest. However, the white pine is certainly a contender for the fastest growing evergreen tree in the state. 

Is emerald ash borer a problem in Michigan?

Yes. First documented within the state’s borders in 2002, emerald ash borer has killed tens of millions of ash trees. It continues to be a threat, and all ash trees in the state should be preventatively treated to give them the best chance at surviving these pests. 

Is oak wilt a problem in Michigan?

Unfortunately, the oak trees in Michigan are at serious risk of oak wilt. Red oaks are at highest risk, but white oaks can also succumb to this aggressive disease. To reduce the chances of needing complete tree removal in the future, oak trees should never be pruned during the summer.

Is hemlock woolly adelgid a problem in Michigan?

The hemlock woolly adelgid is another invasive pest that is common in Michigan. It is especially common in the western portions of the state, where it places all hemlocks at risk. There are treatments that can help keep the pests at bay, but without treatment, most hemlock trees will die within 4 to 7 years of the initial infestation. 

Is Dutch elm disease a problem in Michigan?

Dutch elm disease is an important fungal disease that threatens all native elm trees in Michigan. The pathogen has been around for decades, and remains a key threat for elms – particularly the picturesque American elm, which formerly lined countless city streets. 

General Tree-Care Questions

In addition to questions about tree services in Michigan, many of our clients have more general questions about tree care. Some of the ones we hear most often include:

What do tree services charge per hour?

Most professional tree services don’t use hourly pricing – they charge based on the services you require. And the charges associated with these services will typically vary based on the extent of the work required, the level of difficulty involved, and the crew size and equipment necessary to complete the work. 

With all of that said, tree service work will generally be equivalent to paying between $100 and $300 per hour (though the rate may be much higher for work involving cranes and other heavy equipment). 

What is the cheapest time of year for tree removal?

Winter is almost always the most affordable time to have any tree work carried out — including tree removal. This is primarily because tree services tend to be busiest during the spring, summer, and fall, and least busy during the winter. If you need extensive tree-care services, have a tight budget, and don’t need the tree removal work conducted immediately, you can save money by scheduling it (in advance) for the winter. 

What is tree topping?

Tree topping is a destructive practice that remains, unfortunately, common. It essentially involves the removal of a tree’s primary leader to reduce its height. This does make a tree shorter, but it is harmful for a variety of reasons.

For one, it removes the tree’s leader, which is crucial for the tree’s health and long-term structural stability. It also involves the use of heading cuts, which are cuts that occur between nodes – the places in which a tree can successfully compartmentalize (seal) a wound. 

Given all of this, tree topping is generally discouraged (and may be prohibited in some areas). 

Can you top an oak tree without killing it?

Topping an oak tree is never a good idea. It may not kill the tree within the next year or two, but it will almost always stress the tree, make it vulnerable to pathogens, and cause the tree to produce numerous “water spouts” – poorly attached limbs near the wound. Within 5 to 10 years, most topped oak trees will either die or become so hazardous that complete tree removal is required. 

How much does it cost to reduce the height of a tree?

Topping a tree is generally not very expensive, but it is discouraged, thanks to the problems it is sure to cause. Reducing the tree’s height via reduction pruning is sometimes possible, but that takes more time, effort, and expertise. Nevertheless, the total cost for reducing the height of a tree will vary based on countless factors. With that said, it will generally cost between $500 for a very small tree to $2,000 or more for a large tree. 

How much does tree trimming cost?

The costs associated with tree trimming will vary based on the size and condition of the tree and your overall goals. Accessibility will also be a factor, as trees located in difficult-to-reach spots will cost more to have trimmed. 

With that said, tree trimming costs vary from about $250 to $2,000 or more, depending on these and other factors. 

When should you not prune trees?

You should never prune trees during the active growing season if they’re susceptible to pests or fungal diseases, such as emerald ash borer or oak wilt. In fact, it is generally wisest to prune most trees during the winter, when pests, fungi, and bacteria are least active. It’s also generally more affordable to have tree trimming carried out in the winter, when tree-care services are least busy. 

Will insurance pay to remove trees?

One of the most common questions we get, the answer is, “Maybe.” All insurance providers and insurance policies are different, so you’ll just have to check with your policy or consult your provider. Most insurance companies will pay to have a tree that’s already fallen on your home removed, and some will pay for the costs associated with a tree that may fall on your property or presents some kind of other risk (such as a dead tree or one with dead branches). 

Can I prune trees myself?

Homeowners and property owners can prune small trees, but it is rarely recommended. To prune trees properly, you need to have a deep understanding of tree biology and the manner in which trees compartmentalize wounds. Additionally, you’ll need access to the proper tools for not only making the cuts but also disposing of the resulting debris. Accordingly, it is simply wiser for most people to hire tree companies or independent tree experts. 

It should also be noted that amateurs should never prune branches that cannot be reached from ground level, use a chainsaw above shoulder height, or use a ladder when pruning trees. 

Trees and the Law in Michigan

Because trees not only contribute a significant amount of value to properties but also present serious risks, there are often legal implications associated with their care and maintenance. It is always wise to speak with an attorney if you have specific concerns, but we’ll share a few of the most common general questions we hear below. 

Do I need a permit to cut down trees on my property in Michigan?

You are generally free to cut down trees on your own property in Michigan, but there are several key exceptions. Some municipalities enforce restrictive tree ordinances that prohibit the removal of large or old trees without an arborist’s report that recommends removal. You may also need to consult with the utility company or local government if your trees are located within a public easement, near the road, or in the vicinity of power lines. 

Will the city cut down a tree on my property for free?

Different Michigan cities have different policies with regard to tree removal. Few will pay for the removal of a healthy tree on your property, but they may cover some or all of the costs associated with dead trees or those that represent a hazard to pedestrians or vehicles. You’ll simply have to contact your local city to know for certain. 

Do tree-cutters have to be certified by the International Society of Arborists in Michigan?

No, you do not have to be a certified arborist to operate a tree-service company or offer tree removal services in Michigan. 

Am I responsible for maintaining trees growing near power lines?

Generally speaking, you are responsible for trees growing on your property — even if they’re growing near power lines. However, it is important that you always hire professionals to handle any trees growing near power lines — the risk of electric shock is simply too great.

Can you cut down your own tree in Michigan?

Assuming that your local municipality does not have any regulations prohibiting the removal of a particular tree, you can remove your own tree in Michigan. However, it is rarely wise to do so. Tree removal is very dangerous work, which is best left to the professionals. Countless amateurs become injured or killed each year when attempting to fell trees. 

Can I trim my neighbor’s branches growing over my fence?

Yes, but you must remain on your property while doing so. With that said, it is important that the cuts are placed in the right location to prevent the tree from becoming diseased and then posing a safety hazard. Accordingly, it is generally best to discuss the issue with your neighbor and attempt to reach a mutually beneficial arrangement for having the trees professionally pruned. 

Trees in Michigan: General Questions

Aside from questions about tree service in Michigan, specifically, or the laws surrounding trees in Michigan, many of our customers simply have general questions about trees. We hear the following ones more often than others: 

Why is tree removal so dangerous?

Tree removal is dangerous for a variety of reasons, but a few of the most important include the mass of a tree (some trees weigh thousands of pounds), the power tools required for removal, and the fact that trees can fall in unpredictable ways. In fact, that’s why tree removal companies typically use complicated rigging methods or cranes — they help ease the tree to the ground in a controlled fashion.

It’s also important to note that most tree removal jobs require that a climber scale the tree. This is obviously a dangerous undertaking, especially when dealing with a sick or dead tree.

What trees are worth money in Michigan?

Maple, oak, walnut, cherry, and beech are all valuable trees in Michigan that produce highly coveted wood. However, that does not mean it is always easy to sell them. In order to attract the attention of a timber business, who may wish to purchase your trees, you’ll have to have acres and acres of trees; timber businesses wouldn’t be able to turn a profit from traveling all the way to your home to remove trees and then transport them back to their mill. 

What is Michigan’s most common tree?

According to Michigan Technological University, the sugar maple is the most common tree in Michigan, followed by the red maple, northern white cedar, and red pine. 

What is the state tree of Michigan?

The eastern white pine is the state tree of Michigan. It was first designated as such in 1955. 

What hardiness zone is Michigan?

Depending on where you live in the state of Michigan, you may live in USDA hardiness zone 4a through 6b. 

What is the best tree to plant in Michigan?

There are a variety of trees that can thrive in Michigan, but a few of the best include sugar maples, white pines, honey locusts, red maples, northern white cedars, and dogwoods. 

Choose Treemendous Tree Service: The Best Michigan Tree Service Around

We hope you’ve found this FAQ helpful, but our tree experts would be happy to answer any remaining questions you may have about getting tree service in Michigan. Simply head over to our contact page and arrange for your free estimate. We’d love to provide all of the tree services homeowners and commercial property managers need — from crane-assisted removals to stump grinding, we do it all!