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Michigan Lakefront Property, Tree Care

Lakefront Tree Care in Michigan

What is not to love about owning lakefront property here in Michigan?  The views are postcard worthy. 

Think about it, look at your view.  Trees make up a big part of that view, so why not care for them.  Prune them for a better view or remove them if they are in bad health or a dangerous burden.

While putting together this article, quite of bit of research was conducted on Michigan State University MSU website for the environmental effects and impacts.   Plus, the 50 years Quinlan Tree Service has been providing professional tree services in and around Oakland County, Michigan.

Lakefront property ownership often accompanies the removal of plants, shrubs and trees to create lawns, foot paths, storage areas and views of the lake. Areas of wetland and lake bed are also lost to these activities, although the loss of wetlands slowed with the passage of state wetland protection laws in 1979.

With the removal of vegetation, shorelines become more vulnerable to erosion by natural forces such as wind, waves and ice.  

Working with the existing native vegetation and trees to create views saves time and money now by reducing costly excavation and grading. It saves time and money later on from maintenance of eroding shorelines.

A minimal disturbance approach to lakefront development provides a filtered view to the lake, maintains privacy, reduces noise, minimizes impervious surfaces, slows pollutant runoff and keeps important shoreline habitats in place.

Trees along the lake intercept and slow the movement of rain water, provide shade for cooler water temperatures and downed limbs and branches (coarse woody structure) for fish. The roots of native lakefront trees, shrubs and plants create a network that knits soils together and keeps them from eroding.

Quinlan Tree Service, is a full-service tree care company.  Although, we do tree removal services, we also provide other services that maintain your trees, for the benefit of your lakefront property.

Pruning and Trimming Trees

Things like pruning and selective tree trimming.  Cutting away bad growth, dead limbs and broken branches are very important to your tree’s health and longevity. 

Proper pruning can open up a view that you are look to gain, while still keeping the trees benefits to the lakefront ecosystem. 

Cabling and Bracing Trees

There have been times where a large split trunk tree is right at waters edge.  The root structure is fine, but the part of the trunk that is facing the lake, normal gets the brunt of the several weather through all the seasons.  You may notice it leaning toward the lake or maybe your dock.  What we can do in these situations is cable or brace that problem trunk of the tree back to one of the other trunks.  This is known as cabling, bolting or bracing. 

As the name implies, we either run a cable or a long bolt from one trunk to the other.  This saving the entire tree from a certain early death. 

Tree Removal

As a last resort in some cases or if you want a more open view of the lake, tree removal may be needed.  These can be especially tricky projects as the lakeview we all love is now an obstacle.  Sometimes there are boat ramps, docks, boathouses or other landscape features that could be damaged if the tree were to fall or fail on its own. 

This is were a certified, professional arborist, an experienced tree service comes into play.  Using ropes to access the tree and safely place the large branches and trunks on land is something left for the pros.  Sometimes a crane can be used, but not in all cases.  Sloped banks, no access and landscape features can cross the crane off the list.

Bottomline, lakefront tree removal should always be left to a professional tree service.  The lakefront makes a dangerous task, even more difficult in every way.

So, you really want a tree there were this one is that has to be removed. 

Tree Planting Along a Lakefront

The best trees for lakefront planting are native species that have good root systems, can withstand flooding and possible periods of constant moisture, provide good wildlife habitat and don’t have the invasive tendencies of many exotic species.

Native species of willow, cottonwood, etc. are excellent trees for replanting.  They grow fast, root well in wet soil and help with erosion. 

Quinlan Tree Service does not offer tree planting services, but we have a good relationship with a local tree planting expert.  Joe Hodges, Premium Tree Supply, Joe is the local choice for us here.  You can reach Joe at (248) 343-5256 if you are looking to have a tree planted along your lakefront or any other place you would like a tree. 

We will be expanding on this article in the near future with how-to and tips for your lakefront landscapes.  Friendly, local advice from a company that has been in the tree service business since 1969.

Make sure you follow us on Facebook (we do some cool stuff there on Mondays and Fridays) and Instagram (To see the latest in arborist craft)

You can also message me directly on both social media platform @Treehound 

While you’re here, give us a comment and like or share this article with a friend.

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Should I Prune Dead Tree Branches?

Should I Prune Dead Tree Branches?

It’s not uncommon for tree branches to decay and die. Even if the tree trunk and the rest of the canopy is healthy, one or more branches may already be dead.

As a result, you might be wondering whether you should prune dead tree branches or simply leave them in place and let nature take its course.

While tree branches can die for a variety of reasons, pruning them is almost always beneficial and the safe thing to do.

By removing dead tree branches, the tree will regrow new branches.

Pruning dead tree branches offers the following benefits when done correctly.

Pruning Reduces the Risk of Infection

Dead tree branches can often lead to infection.

Once a branch dies and begins to rot, the bark covering the branch will fall off. Aside from being an eyesore, bark-less branches allow fungi and bacteria to enter the tree with greater ease.

As the infection-causing microbe begins to reproduce, it can spread to other parts of the tree, potentially killing it.

To protect trees from infection, you should prune dead or otherwise unhealthy tree branches, especially those with little or no protective bark.

Get a FREE tree evaluation from Quinlan Tree Service if you see any dead or leafless branches on your trees.  Call 248-363-8500, someone always answer your call and we can schedule a good time to look at your trees.

Pruning Can Treat Existing Infections

Pruning dead tree branches can also treat existing infections.

If a branch is obviously dead – to the point where it’s decaying and crumbling – the tree may already be suffering from a bacterial or fungal infection. There are literally hundreds of bacterial and fungal infections to which trees are susceptible.

But depending on the particular type of infection, it may be localized, meaning pruning the affected branch or branches will help control it.

Pruning Removes Unstable Tree Branches That May Fall

Another reason to prune dead tree branches is to reduce the risk of bodily injury and property injury.

Dead tree branches generally won’t fall on their own – not without a little help from Mother Nature, at least. When a severe storm rolls in, the wind and rain can snap dead tree branches. And if the branch overhangs your property, it could cause damage or bodily injury.

To prevent this from happening, you should prune all dead tree branches.

This is very important for those homeowners living around our lakes here in Oakland County, Michigan.  A dead branch on a tree 50 feet or more from the house can be blown that distance with the way lakes funnel the wind. 

  • Insect tree damage, tree removal, Emerald Ash Borer, Quinlan Tree Service

Pruning Discourages Pests

Dead tree branches are a source of food for many pests, including the all-too-destructive termites.

If a branch dies and you don’t prune it, termites or other pests may feast on it. You can keep pests at bay, by pruning dead branches.

As soon as you spot a dead or leafless branch, prune it to discourage pests.

Saving Your Tree and Money.

By pruning dead or leafless branches, you can see from above how this can save your tree, but it also saves you money.  With tree pruning being a fraction of the cost, compared to removing a dead or diseased tree.  Plus, you don’t lose the landscape value and other benefits of having a mature tree.

To get your FREE tree care evaluation, please call 248-363-8500 or email us at quinlantreeservice@yahoo.com. 

Be sure to check us out on Facebook and Instagram.

Tree Bracing and Support in Oakland County, Michigan

Call 248-363-8500

What is Tree Cabling and Bracing?

Tree cabling and bracing is the installation of flexible steel strand cables and braces in trees to reduce stress damage from high winds, the weight of ice or snow and heavy foliage. As certified arborists, Quinlan Tree Service, goal is to help strengthen weak branches or limbs so that they are better able to withstand severe weather.  Also, to improve the trees life span and reduce potential risk.

Weak limbs are not always obvious, so contact us to assess your trees. We can help you identify particular weak points and examine bark or large codominant stems, which can be signals of tree weakness that need tree cabling and bracing.

Maintenance following tree cable and brace installation is minimal but also important, and the hardware should be inspected periodically.

Does cabling hurt a tree?

No, it does not.

Tree support systems are a tool used by qualified arborists reduce the risk of tree failures and aid in the successful establishment of new and old trees.

Yet, improperly installed systems can increase the risk of tree failure, in turn increasing the potential for personal injury and property damage. Working with a qualified professional will increase your satisfaction with the services performed and protect your trees and property.

Can a broken tree branch be repaired?

A storm can leave trees looking like there is no tomorrow. Major limbs may be broken or damaged, foliage can be shredded or stripped, or the bark may be torn or gouged. But what at first glance may look like mortal wounds are not necessarily fatal to a tree. Trees have an amazing ability to recover from storm damage, after have tree limb supports installed.

If damage is relatively slight, prune any broken branches, repair torn bark or rough edges around wounds, and let the tree begin the process of wound repair. If a valuable tree appears to be a borderline case, resist the temptation to simply cut the tree down and be done with it.

Cabling a large branch so that it can heal is sometimes the correct thing to do, but you should seek the advice of a professional tree care provider.

Tree supports, cabling a tree in Commerce, Michigan
Running cables to support a split trunk tree.

Three Financial Reasons to Have Your Trees Supported.

  • Reduces Property Damage and Personal Injury

Weakened or damaged trees without cabling and bracing support can easily cause expensive property damage to nearby structures such as businesses, homes, vehicles, equipment, fencing, and utility lines. The threat for damage and injury is even higher during storm season when strong winds and storms can further threaten tree stability. In addition, trunk or limb failures can also lead to major personal injuries or even death, exposing the property to major financial liability.

However, tree branch supports can significantly reduce the likelihood of a tree’s structural failure, and prevent devastating damages or injuries.

  • Promotes Long-Term Health of Trees

Trees are important assets to any residential or commercial property, and protecting mature shade trees with cabling and bracing services can prolong the health and lifespan of these valuable assets. Cabling and bracing protects tree stability and tree health, allowing the tree to thrive for many more years. Property owners are spared the expense of tree removal and tree replacement.

  • Lowers Future Energy Costs

Healthy and secure shade trees will grow to provide valuable shade for residential and commercial property owners. In Oakland County, Michigan, tree shade reduces cooling and energy costs for property owners, and can also increase the beauty and property value of the land for potential buyers. This is especially critical in Michigan’s competitive real estate market, where healthy and stable trees can make a huge impact in the value and sale of a commercial or residential lot.

If you have a tree or branches that you want to save, give Quinlan Tree Service a call and we can evaluate your tree.  Giving you the best options on what can be done.

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