Tree care · Midwest
Michigan has warm summers and cold, snowy winters, shaped by the Great Lakes. Maples, oaks, white pines and spruces are common in yards and woodlots. Many yards also have gaps where ash trees were lost to the emerald ash borer.
Trees that commonly grow or are often planted here. The storm risk is our plain rating for the species as a whole, not an inspection of your tree.
Acer rubrum
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesAcer saccharum
Storm risk low
Care and removal notesAcer saccharinum
Storm risk high
Care and removal notesQuercus rubra
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesQuercus alba
Storm risk low
Care and removal notesQuercus macrocarpa
Storm risk low
Care and removal notesPinus strobus
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesPinus resinosa
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesFraxinus pennsylvanica
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesBetula papyrifera
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesPopulus tremuloides
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesSee every species in the tree library.
Widely known concerns in this part of the country. If you see signs, ask a certified arborist or your state extension office. Ranges change, so check your state's official maps.
More in tree pests and diseases.
Severe thunderstorms and straight-line winds are most common from about May to August. Ice storms can hit in winter and early spring.
Main storm months: May to August for severe storms; December to March for ice
After a storm, stay away from downed lines and call the utility. Call 911 if anyone is in danger. Read what to do after a storm and our storm guides.
Winter, when the ground is frozen and trees are dormant, is a popular time for pruning and removals. Oaks are usually not pruned in spring and early summer because of oak wilt, so ask an arborist about timing.
Each species page lists its own best and worst times. See the month-by-month tree care calendar and when to prune.
Some Michigan cities and townships protect street trees or large trees, so check your local rules before removal. Short explanation, not legal advice.
Short explanation, not legal advice. Read our plain guide to tree permits.
City rules we checked in Michigan, with links to the official sources. Checked 26 October 2026. Rules change; short explanation, not legal advice.
See tree removal permits by city for every city we checked.
For homeowners
No state tree license found
We found no state-level license just for tree work in Michigan. Pesticide, contractor and city rules can still apply. See the Michigan state rules page for details and official links.
Get two or three written quotes. To find local pros, search Google Maps and read their reviews. Full steps in how to hire a tree service and the hiring checklist.
Own a tree service in Michigan?
Missed-call text-back, lead follow-up, booking and review requests, set up for tree companies.
Nearby states
For tree service owners
Severe thunderstorms and strong winds are most common from about May to August. Ice storms can hit from winter into early spring. Dead or leaning trees near your house are worth having checked before storm season.
Winter is a popular time for pruning and removals because the ground is frozen and trees are dormant. Oaks are usually not pruned in spring and early summer because of oak wilt. Ask an arborist about your trees.
There is no one rule that covers everything. Many cities and towns have their own tree ordinances, so check with your city or town before you cut anything large, especially a street tree or a protected tree. Short explanation, not legal advice.
Read Google reviews and ask for proof of insurance. We could not confirm a state-level license for general tree work in Michigan, so check with your city or township too. Get two or three written quotes.
A good written quote names the work for each tree, says who handles cleanup and hauling, and shows proof of insurance. Get two or three written quotes and compare what each one includes, not only the bottom line.
Stay away from any tree touching a power line and call the utility. Call 911 if anyone is in danger. If the tree is only on the ground and the area is safe, take photos for your insurance and call a local insured tree pro. Do not cut storm-loaded wood yourself.
We found no state-level license just for tree work in Michigan. Pesticide, contractor and city rules can still apply. Our Michigan state rules page has the details and links to official sources. Short explanation, not legal advice.
No. Lirevon is a remote marketing team for tree service companies. We do not do tree work and we do not list or rank tree companies. To find a local insured pro, search Google Maps, read their reviews and get two or three written quotes.