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.

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

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