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TRUSTED BY TRAVERSE CITY, MI HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.5
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon430
    Verified arboricultural services reviews

Top-Rated Arborists in Traverse City - Updated Nov 2026

Avatar for NRE Excavating
NRE Excavating
4.9(
17
)
Tree RemovalTree Stump - RemoveTree Trimming

Serving Traverse City, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Had a huge maple stump in the front yard, from the time I got the estimate till the job was done was about 4 days. They came out and got started on it right away, worked straight through until it was finished. Leveled it out and cleaned the yard and driveway that my wife didn’t even notice the stump was gone. I’m going to pick up some seeds tomorrow to fill in the grass, I’m not including a finished photo because it’s absolutely pouring outside right now. But the job that was done above my expectations. Thank you very much and it was nice to meet you guys."
Home Demolition
Home Demolition
11 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by56%of homeowners
Avatar for Leelanau Lawn & Snow
Leelanau Lawn & Snow
5.0(
15
)
Tree RemovalTree Removal - For Business

Serving Traverse City, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Hired Leelanau Lawn and Snow for my driveway, they came quick, excellent work, and very affordable pricing. They have continued the excellent service with every snowfall."
Response time8 hrs
2 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by93%of homeowners
Avatar for Lonchar's Stump Removal
Lonchar's Stump Removal
4.8(
16
)
Tree Stump - Remove

Serving Traverse City, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Zach called within minutes of us reaching out to get these pesky oak stumps we’ve had for years in our lawn gone. Zach was very reasonable and had arrived within the day we set for him to begin work. He arrived and left within 2 hours, Zach even piled up the wood-chips all in the old stumps locations. My yard was covered in chips and with his blower it was back to normal. Highly recommend!"
Recommended by81%of homeowners
Avatar for Aubertin Tree Service
Aubertin Tree Service
4.6(
9
)
Tree RemovalTree Removal - For BusinessTree Stump - Remove+1 more

Serving Traverse City, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Jed came out to help with a large tree that had been damaged during a storm. He did a fabulous job of dropping limbs without making a big mess and made sure to clean up after. He did the same thing for our neighbor. This person really knows how to drop a tree exactly where he wants it to land."
Response time1 day
Response rate100%
Recommended by62%of homeowners
Avatar for Root's Renovations
Root's Renovations
4.4(
10
)
Tree Trimming

Serving Traverse City, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"I had an area of my deck rotting out. I had 2 other companies out that only wanted to sell a whole new deck and feed me a bunch of BS. Roots met me and showed me exactly what was bad and what he could do to fix it and make it look like it was never patched. His price was very fair. No BS, straight to the point. They worked clean. No mess, and they were very mindful of the many flowers and shrubs along the deck. Job well done."
Water Damage Ceiling - Before
Water Damage Ceiling Repair - After
Demolition Work
New Wood Floor Install - Work in Progress
New Wood Floor Install - Work in Progress

+12

Response time11 hrs
Response rate96%
Recommended by11%of homeowners
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Arborists FAQs, answered by experts

You can shape a cherry tree by trimming vertical branches, dense branches, and intersecting branches. Your personal aesthetic comes into play, as well. If you want to simply thin and shape the tree, you can get away with trimming the aforementioned parts of your cherry tree. If you want to shorten branches, however, consider thinning cuts, which alter the length of the branches while encouraging light penetration, new buds and shoots, and a structurally-sound shape.

DIY is risky and not recommended for large trees; professional services ensure safe removal and proper disposal.

The typical lifespan of a Bradford pear is relatively short, only 15 to 25 years. However, these trees have issues long before their life is over. Due to their soft wood and fast-growing branches, Bradford pear trees often split around 15 years, making them a risk for falling branches and more prone to disease. 

Completely topping a plum tree is a risky business. Cut too much, and you’ll kill your tree. That said, you do need to trim the top of your tree to encourage bushy growth, maintain your tree’s vase shape, and limit size. 

A plum tree's central leader (or trunk) should never extend more than 3 feet above the highest branch. When you first plant your tree, cut the central leader so it’s 2 to 3 feet tall. As it grows, cut it back 12 to 20 inches until it reaches its desired height. Never prune more than one-third of the new growth.

Hiring an arborist or tree surgeon is usually more expensive than a standard tree company, but it is often worth the investment. Arborists have education and certifications that standard companies typically lack, leading to a more professional, expert-level service. Their expertise is particularly valuable for diseased or infested trees, as they can ensure safer removal and help prevent the issue from spreading. Additionally, arborists may be necessary for work near power lines, as uncertified companies are often not permitted to service these trees. If your goal is to preserve the health of your trees, an arborist is the best choice. Their services, such as stump grinding, are also performed with greater expertise to ensure a safe depth that won't cause your lawn to collapse over time.

The Traverse City, MI homeowners’ guide to arboricultural services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.