How Much Does Tree Removal Cost?

When it comes to the cost for tree removal, there are several factors that come into play. The type of tree, height, and whether or not electrical wires are nearby affect the cost. The species may be a hardwood and difficult to cut, and taller trees may require specialized equipment.  Each branch must be carefully roped and led to the ground. Most homeowners spend anywhere from $444 to $640 for these services. The average cost is $542.

How Much Does Stump Removal Cost?

Stump removal is typically more time-consuming and expensive than stump grinding. You can expect anywhere from $80 to $140 for each stump grinding. Costs are based upon travel to the site, project setup, removal process and the hourly rates for labor. Stump removal will cost a bit more because it takes longer to completely uproot a stump from the ground, especially one that’s larger in circumference or has sturdier roots. This will cost Detroit homeowners between $150 and $200.

Average Cost of Tree Maintenance in Detroit

For the most part, tree trimming, pruning and cutting are typically priced per tree, as each one may present its own set of problems. If trees have grown around or near power lines, more time and care is needed for trimming. This kind of tree maintenance will vary in price, between $140 and $160. However, it’s a safe bet that the arborist will quote a price around the figure of $150.

Tree History and City Planting Efforts

Between 1950 and 1980, the city lost approximately 500,000 trees to disease and urban expansion. Economic restraints have hindered the city from replacing those tree. Adding to the city’s tree problems, the emerald ash borer pest arrived in 2002. Both federal agencies and nonprofit organizations have helped the city fill the urban forestry gap created by a thin municipal budget. Many feel that recovery requires much more than just planting new trees to replace the ones lost to infestation and disease. Urban forestry advocates are calling for better storm water management, green infrastructure and greenways.

The American Forests conducted an urban ecosystem analysis in 2005. Reports indicated a canopy of 31 percent in Detroit, but a later 2008 survey indicated the number had decreased to 22 percent. These figures represent the stark toll that disease and infestation has taken on the community. Currently, the city of Detroit, the Forest Service, Southeast Michigan Council of Governments and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources are all working together to track disease, maximize the use of vegetation to absorb storm water and prioritize tree planting efforts.

Michigan’s State Tree

Michigan’s state tree is the white pine (Pinus strobus). It’s an attractive tree with a deciduous sheath and bluish-green pines that are finely serrated. Its cones are also slender with rounded scales. Mature white pines can easily be 200 years old and live to over 400 years. In Michigan, some white pines have approached 500 years of age. According to the Eastern Native Tree Society, some of the tallest white pine trees are located in Michigan. The tallest white pine in Michigan is located in Hartwick Pines State Park and is 157 feet in height.

Common Trees Found in Detroit

Although ash trees were a large part of Michigan’s forest lands, many of them have succumbed to the emerald ash borer, an insect that infects the tree. The only trees with ash in the name that are okay to plant are prickly ash (Zanthoxylum americanum) and mountain ash (Sorbus americana). It’s possible to treat ash trees with insecticides in order to keep them healthy, but treatment is expensive and often fails. Michigan nurseries still sell ash trees, but homeowners and gardeners should avoid planting them.

Here’s a list of some common trees in Detroit that thrive well:

• Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
• Hickory (Carya)
• Cedar (Cedrus)
• Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
• Juniper (Juniperus communis)

Before you plant them, be sure to do some research on the species’ needs and preferences, so you can match the right tree to the right place. The more you learn about a species, the better you will be able to prevent tree stress due to the wrong location and nutrient deficiencies.

Regulations Regarding Trees and Power Lines

Trees must be planted a safe distance from powers lines. DTE Energy, Detroit’s energy company, divides the area into zones around distribution and transmission lines. Around distribution lines the distance between trees with certain heights and the lines should be as follows:

• Zone 1: Underneath to 20 feet away should only have trees with a maximum height of 25 feet.
• Zone 2 : 20 to 50 feet away: should be trees with a max height of 45 feet.
• Zone 3: Distance of more than 50 feet away can have trees taller than 45 feet.

In terms of transmission lines, the zones go this way:

• Zone 1 : Under to 30 feet away should have nothing but grass.
• Zone 2 : 30 to 60 feet away can be trees with a maximum height of 15 feet.
• Zone 3 : 60 to 90 feet away can have trees with a max height of 25 feet.
• Zone 4 : 90 to 120 feet away can have trees with a max height of 60 feet.

Plant Hardiness Zones for Michigan

Here are the plant hardiness zones for Michigan as provided by the USDA:

Image Source:
Douglas fir

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