Tree Service in Long Lake, Michigan

Lake lots and the trees on them

The older cottages on Long Lake were built around the trees, and the trees have kept growing. Tall red pines over a roof are the most common removal here. They are shallow-rooted in the sand, they die from the top, and once they are brown they start shedding tops in every wind. We take them down from the bucket truck in pieces so nothing lands on the cottage, the neighbor's cottage or the dock.

Newer builds on Long Lake usually start with lot clearing: taking out the trees in the footprint and the drive, chipping the brush, grinding the stumps and leaving the rest of the woods standing. We can also cut the hardwood into firewood lengths for you.

Oak wilt and the no-prune window

Oak wilt is confirmed in Iosco County. The DNR asks that nobody prune or wound oaks between April 15 and July 15, and we follow it, so oak trimming on Long Lake goes on the winter schedule. If you want a red oak shaped or a dead limb taken off over the deck, book it for the dormant months. A storm-torn oak limb in summer can be sealed the same day to lower the risk.

Emerald ash borer has taken the ash in the low ground around the lake. Those standing dead trunks are brittle, and we take them down from the bucket rather than climbing them.

Storm calls

Long Lake is close enough to Lupton that storm calls here get one of the fastest responses we can give. The storm line is (989) 305-9731, answered 24 hours a day in storm season. Trees on cottages come first, then driveways. If a tree is on the service drop from the pole to the house, Consumers Energy can do a temporary disconnect so we can work; we coordinate that.

The 500-foot rule and stump grinding

Almost every Long Lake lot is within 500 feet of the water, so stump grinding or grading that disturbs soil can require a soil erosion permit from Iosco County. We tell you up front whether your job needs it. We also call MISS DIG 811 before every grind for a utility locate, which takes three business days. A large share of the homes here are seasonal, and we are used to doing the work while the owner is away and sending photos.