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Removing a Tree

Forest health check hemlock woolly adelgid

Removing a Tree

Image of state forest map application showing forest management areas

How can I get help removing a tree?

It can be expensive to remove trees, especially if they are in poor condition or threaten people, property or utilities. Here are some places to start looking for help.

Resources for removing trees

A DNR forester in the field with machinery in the background

Municipality

If the tree is located on municipal property, (e.g., between sidewalk and curb), contact your city, village, township or county for assistance.
public input photo with hands up in a meeting room

Insurance

Electric utility companies may provide tree trimming or removal of trees if they are overgrown, damaged or dead and are threatening their lines or equipment. Contact your local electric utility to see if they provide assistance.

A researcher grafts a beech tree in a hoop house filled with plants

Electric utility companies

If a fallen or broken tree has damaged your home, an outbuilding or other structures on your property, contact the company that provides your homeowner’s insurance. Your policy may provide limited coverage for tree removal.
A sinkhole lake in Pigeon River Country State Forest

Arborists

Find a list of Michigan arborists at the International Society of Arboriculture state website, ASM-ISA.org. Arborists are tree care professionals who are trained and charge for their services. If you hire an arborist, get quotes from two to three arborists and confirm they carry two types of insurance, both general liability and workers compensation.
A large bull elk standing in the woods.

Veteran Support

Are you a veteran? Help may be available through the Michigan Department of the Military and Veterans Affairs.

The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency can be reached at 800-MICH-VET (800-642-4838) or visit its website at Michigan.gov/MVAA. 

Electro Shock Survey of Brown Trout on the Ausable River

Senior Citizen Resources

Are you a senior? Help may be available through your local Area on Aging Association. 

For more info, call 517-886-1029 or visit 4AMI.org to find your local agency contact information.

Forest managers protect rare species and ecologically-significant areas

Rare species

Rare, threatened and endangered species of plants and animals are protected under state and federal laws.

Natural areas

Places recognized as natural areas are outstanding examples of native landscapes, ecosystems and natural communities

Biological diversity interactive map

View data on forest structure and composition, native vegetation, protected areas and species diversity. 

Monitoring ecological values

Ecological information is collected in reports on local forest compartment areas, forest health reports and in natural community surveys conducted by the Michigan Natural Features Inventory. 

MI State Forest Map: compartment reviews

View the state forest public input map and see results and data from local compartment reviews.

State forest plans

Forest health reports and data

See watchlist species, report invasive species sightings and review an annual forest health report showing trends, status and survey results. 

Forest health data and reports