Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why should I trim my trees?

    Tree trimming promotes healthy growth, improves appearance, and reduces the risk of falling branches. Proper pruning removes dead, damaged, or overgrown limbs, improves air circulation and sunlight penetration, and helps prevent disease and storm damage. Regular maintenance can also extend the life of your trees and protect nearby structures.

  • How do I know if a tree should be removed?

    A tree may need to be removed if it is dead, dying, severely damaged, leaning dangerously, or posing a safety risk to people or property. Other signs include large dead branches, trunk decay, root damage, or disease that cannot be corrected through pruning. We recommend a professional evaluation to determine whether removal is necessary or if the tree can be safely preserved.

  • When should you schedule woodland management in Michigan?

    Late fall through early spring is ideal when the ground is frozen or dry, minimizing soil compaction and damage to remaining trees. This timing also aligns with dormant-season thinning, which reduces stress on the forest. In Lansing, MI, winter access often makes selective harvesting safer and more efficient for hardwood stands.

  • What are the benefits of selective thinning for forest health?

    Selective thinning removes competing or damaged trees, allowing healthier specimens to access more sunlight, water, and nutrients. It also improves habitat diversity and reduces wildfire or storm damage risk. At Heartwood Tree and Timber, we assess stand density and species mix to create a multi-year management plan that supports long-term woodland vitality.

  • Can you turn cleared trees into usable lumber?

    Yes, many cleared trees—especially hardwoods like oak, maple, and ash—can be milled into dimensional lumber, timbers, or firewood rather than chipped as waste. This approach maximizes value and reduces landfill impact. Heartwood Tree and Timber integrates sawmilling with land clearing projects to repurpose quality logs for custom builds or resale.

  • Why should stump grinding be done with tree removal?

    Bundling stump grinding with removal saves a second trip, reduces mobilization costs, and completes site restoration in one visit. It also prevents pests, root decay, and tripping hazards immediately. At Heartwood Tree and Timber, we offer package pricing to make full-site cleanup more affordable for Lansing-area homeowners.

  • Will there be turf damage?

    We take every reasonable precaution to minimize lawn and property impact. However, some turf disturbance can be expected, especially with large trees or limited access areas. This is can usually be solved with topsoil and seed.  When necessary, we use protective mats and carefully plan equipment placement to reduce damage as much as possible. We can discuss expectations at the time of your evaluation. 

  • Are you a certified arborist?

    Yes. Our team includes an ISA certified arborist trained in proper tree care, safety standards, and tree health assessment. This allows us to provide knowledgeable recommendations and professional service for every job.

  • Does land clearing improve drainage on rural properties?

    Yes, removing dense brush and low vegetation allows water to flow more naturally and prevents pooling that damages foundations or driveways. Clearing also exposes problem areas like compacted soil or blocked swales. In Michigan's clay-rich terrain, targeted clearing can significantly reduce standing water and improve site usability year-round.

  • Do you provide services in the winter?

    Yes. Tree work can be performed year-round, and winter is often an excellent time for pruning and removals. Frozen ground can reduce lawn damage, and dormant trees allow for clearer structural evaluation. The dormant season can be the best time for tree work for the tree's health. We also offer competitive winter rates.  Weather permitting, we continue to provide safe and efficient service throughout the winter months.

  • Do you buy standing timber?

    We are happy to evaluate trees and discuss options if timber harvesting is your goal. Many factors go into the potential value of standing timber, including timber size & quality, number of trees, access and complexity of removal.  Your property could have high value of standing timber.  Typically we are not able to buy one or two trees, due to the cost of the removal, however, if a tree has some timber value we can offer that in a credit towards the removal.

  • What should you do with stump grindings after removal?

    Grindings can be spread as mulch in garden beds, mixed into compost, or hauled away if you prefer a clean slate. Fresh grindings may temporarily tie up nitrogen, so avoid direct contact with new plantings. At Heartwood Tree and Timber, we offer cleanup and disposal options tailored to your landscaping plans in the Lansing area.