Tree Service in Ann Arbor, MI

Ann Arbor is known as “Tree Town” — and for good reason. The city maintains over 40,000 street trees and 7,000 park trees across more than 200 species, with a canopy coverage of about 33% and a goal of reaching 40%. It’s a city that takes its trees seriously, from the 10,000 Trees Initiative (completed six years ahead of schedule) to its longstanding Tree City USA designation.

Foundations Tree Experts brings more than 26 years of experience to Ann Arbor homeowners. We know the mature maples of Burns Park, the historic oaks on the Old West Side, and the tight-lot challenges of Kerrytown and Water Hill. Our crew is available to assess any tree before work begins.

Neighborhoods we serve in Ann Arbor

We work throughout Ann Arbor, including:

• Burns Park — established neighborhood near downtown with mature street trees
• Old West Side — historic district with large, older trees close to homes
• Water Hill — character homes with varied lot sizes and tree coverage
• Kerrytown / North Central — near downtown, often tight lots with limited equipment access
• Saginaw Hills — larger western Ann Arbor lots, homes on up to 3 acres with significant tree cover
• Foxfire — 363 homes off Dhu Varren Road with mature residential plantings

Tree challenges in Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor’s mature urban canopy creates specific challenges for homeowners:

• Emerald ash borer — first discovered in Southeast Michigan in 2002, EAB has devastated ash trees across the region. Many properties still have standing dead ash that needs safe removal.
• Oak wilt risk — oaks should never be pruned between April 15 and July 15 to prevent the spread of this deadly fungal disease transmitted by sap-feeding beetles.
• Mature maples near structures — Ann Arbor’s dominant maple canopy means many older homes have large maples growing close to rooflines, foundations, and driveways.
• Norway maple management — the city is actively reducing this over-represented invasive species, which can crowd out native trees.

Ann Arbor’s tree ordinance

Ann Arbor has Chapter 40 (Trees and Other Vegetation) in its city code. Trees on private property that are diseased, damaged, or insect-infested and present hazards to public property must be addressed. Trees must be maintained so no part intrudes on the public right-of-way below 8 feet. Violations can result in fines up to $1,000.

We recommend homeowners check with the city regarding permit requirements before scheduling tree removal. Our team can advise on the general process during your free assessment.

Local resources

• Ann Arbor Urban Forest Program — city forestry data, canopy goals, and tree inventory
• Ann Arbor Tree Ordinance (Chapter 40) — city code governing trees on private and public property
• Native Trees of Ann Arbor — species list from the city’s Natural Area Preservation program
• Oak Wilt in Michigan (MSU Extension) — pruning timing and disease prevention
• Emerald Ash Borer Info (Michigan DNR) — identification and regional impact