Common Questions
Answers to what we are asked most.
Height, condition and what stands underneath set the price. In southwest Michigan a tree under 30 feet typically runs $300–$700, one of 30–60 feet $700–$1,500, and one over 60 feet $1,500–$3,500. A spreading silver maple over an older roof near Leila Arboretum costs more than a dead ash the same height at the back of the lot, because every limb over the house gets roped down. Storm removals get their price at the tree, once we see the hazard.
Usually only once the tree is down. Most policies help after a tree hits a covered structure, such as the house, garage, fence or shed, and most will not pay to take out a dead ash or a leaning cottonwood before it fails. Ask your agent. Our part is the record: after straight-line winds cross Calhoun County, we photograph the tree, note what it landed on and write up its condition for your adjuster.
Not for a tree wholly on your own lot; the city's tree chapter (Ch. 1026) covers public trees only. The curb lawn is the exception. Planting, pruning or removing a tree between the curb and the sidewalk, or anywhere in the public right-of-way, needs a Department of Public Works permit first (§ 1026.04). Paid crews also need a City forestry contractor's license (§ 860.01); we hold one. Our Battle Creek permits guide has the rest.
Plan on a few hours to a full day per tree. A dead ash dropped whole in an open side yard is the quick end. A big red oak or silver maple over the house, climbed and lowered limb by limb, is the slow end, and a large removal plus a stump grind can spill into a second morning. Battle Creek's sandy outwash carries our equipment well; the low loam by the Kalamazoo River in a wet April slows us down.
There are two. Summer thunderstorms bring straight-line winds and now and then a derecho down the length of I-94. Winter brings ice and heavy wet snow that load every limb in town at once. Silver maples, box elders, river cottonwoods and dead ash fail first. Afterward, keep clear of a downed tree and anything it touches; one on a power line is the utility's first. Take photos from a safe spot, then call.
Leaving it saves money this year; grinding saves it over the next ten. A stump dulls mower blades, sprouts, then rots slowly and draws carpenter ants, and a red oak stump can sit for a decade. Grinding costs $100–$400 for one stump by diameter, $50–$150 for each extra one, and $75–$200 more for root chasing or a deep grind.
Yes. Besides Battle Creek, Springfield and Pennfield, Bedford and Emmett townships, we reach Level Park-Oak Park, Ceresco, East Leroy, Marshall, Athens, Burlington, Albion and Tekonsha in Calhoun County; Augusta, Climax, Galesburg, Richland and Scotts in Kalamazoo County; Hickory Corners, Delton and Nashville in Barry County; Bellevue and Olivet in Eaton County; and Union City in Branch County. Most are a half hour or less out I-94, M-66, M-37, M-89 or M-96.
It leaves on our truck the same day unless you keep the firewood. In Battle Creek a curbside bundle may run no more than 4 feet or 50 pounds (§ 1064.06), and nothing may wait at the curb over 18 hours outside a city clean-up (§ 642.02(d)), so a pile out front becomes your violation. Burning trees, brush or leaves in town is banned (§ 1610.05); a clean-wood fire 2 feet high and 3 feet across is the most allowed. Outside the city, check whether a burn permit is required that day.
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