Tree Service FAQ —
Grand Rapids Arborist Answers

Yes. B’s Trees carries $3 million in general liability insurance and full workers’ compensation coverage. Matthew Bossche is an ISA Certified Arborist (MI-4776A). We’re happy to provide proof of insurance before any job begins.

An ISA Certified Arborist has met strict experience requirements and passed a rigorous exam administered by the International Society of Arboriculture — the global authority on tree care. Certification requires ongoing education to maintain, meaning your arborist stays current on best practices. It’s the gold standard credential in the industry.

Yes — we carry full workers’ compensation insurance. This protects you from liability if anyone on our crew is injured while working on your property. Never hire a tree company that can’t confirm this coverage.

Matthew holds active ISA Certified Arborist status (MI-4776A) and stays current through continuing education in arboriculture. Professional membership reflects our commitment to doing this work the right way.

We offer tree pruning, tree removal, stump grinding, plant health care, cabling & bracing, and 24/7 emergency tree service. Every service is guided by ISA Certified Arborist Matthew Bossche. See our Services page for full details.

Yes — we have a full crane for removals in tight spaces where felling isn’t safe or possible. If another company told you they can’t do it, call us. We regularly handle jobs near structures, utility lines, and in confined residential yards.

Yes. Stump grinding can be added to any removal job or scheduled separately. We grind to 6–12 inches below grade, and you can choose to keep the grindings as mulch or have them hauled away.

Plant Health Care (PHC) is a proactive program designed to keep your trees healthy before problems develop. This can include deep root fertilization, insect and disease management, soil care, and ongoing monitoring. It’s far less expensive than removing a tree that could have been saved.

Yes. Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is a serious threat to ash trees across Michigan and we offer treatment options to protect at-risk trees. Early treatment is critical — if you have ash trees, contact us for an assessment.

We serve the greater Grand Rapids area including Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Wyoming, Grandville, Walker, Rockford, Ada, Forest Hills, Caledonia, Alto, Lowell, Middleville, and surrounding Kent and Barry County communities. Not sure if we cover your area? Give us a call.

Yes — free estimates are available on most jobs. Call us at 616-947-4050 or use our contact form and we’ll schedule a time to come out and assess your project.

No. We never require a deposit before starting work. You pay when the job is complete and you’re satisfied with the result.

Yes, financing is available for qualifying jobs. Ask us about options when you schedule your estimate.

It varies by season. Spring and fall are our busiest times. For non-emergency work, we typically schedule 1–3 weeks out. Call us early if you have a specific timing need, and we’ll do our best to accommodate. Emergency situations are handled as quickly as possible, often same-day.

Permit requirements vary by city and township. Some municipalities in the Grand Rapids area require permits for removing trees above a certain diameter or within certain setbacks. We’ll let you know during the estimate if a permit is needed and can advise you on the process.

Tree removal in Grand Rapids typically costs between $500 and $5,000+, depending on the tree’s size, location, and complexity. A small tree in an open yard is less expensive than a large hardwood near a house requiring crane work. Factors that affect price include diameter, height, proximity to structures, power lines, and whether stump grinding is included. Every job is different — request a free estimate or call 616-947-4050 for an accurate quote.

Professional tree pruning generally ranges from $200 to $1,500 per tree in the Grand Rapids area. The cost depends on the tree’s size, species, condition, and the type of pruning needed (crown cleaning, thinning, raising, or structural pruning). Large mature trees with limited access cost more. We provide free on-site estimates so you know the exact price before any work begins.

Stump grinding typically costs $100 to $400 per stump, depending on diameter and root spread. Most residential stumps fall in the $150–$250 range. We can bundle stump grinding with tree removal for a better overall price. Contact us for a free estimate.

Every job starts with a thorough site assessment and a detailed plan. We use rigging, cranes, protective mats, and controlled lowering to manage material safely. We treat your landscaping, fencing, and structures with care and leave the site clean when we’re done.

You don’t need to be home, but we ask that someone is accessible by phone in case we have questions. For gated properties, we’ll need access arranged in advance.

Warning signs include dead or hanging branches, cracks or splits in the trunk, significant lean, hollow sections, fungal growth at the base, and root damage or heaving soil. When in doubt, have it assessed. A quick evaluation from an ISA Certified Arborist can tell you whether there’s a real risk.

We remove all debris by default. Brush is chipped, and logs can be cut to firewood length and left on-site at your request, or hauled away. Stump grindings can be left as mulch or removed. Just let us know your preference when we do the estimate.

Yes, always. Full cleanup is included with every job. We chip the brush, remove the debris, and leave your property looking better than we found it.

Absolutely. If you’d like logs cut to firewood length and stacked on your property, just let us know. It’s a popular request and we’re happy to accommodate it.

Stump grindings make excellent natural mulch for garden beds. You can rake them into the hole and let them decompose, or have us haul them away. Note that fresh grindings aren’t ideal for planting immediately — they tie up nitrogen as they break down.

Most mature trees benefit from a professional inspection every 2–3 years, with pruning as needed. Young trees may benefit from annual structural pruning to establish good form early. Fast-growing species or trees near structures may need more frequent attention.

Late winter or early spring (before bud break) is ideal for most species — the tree is dormant, wounds close quickly as growth resumes, and pests and disease are less active. Some species like oaks should never be pruned in spring due to oak wilt risk. We’ll advise you on the right timing for your specific trees.

Established trees generally manage on natural rainfall in Michigan, but young trees (planted within the last 2–3 years) need supplemental watering — especially in summer. A deep, slow soak once or twice a week is far better than frequent shallow watering. Trees also benefit greatly from a 3–4 inch layer of mulch around the base.

Shredded wood mulch or wood chips work best. Apply a 3–4 inch layer starting 6 inches from the trunk (never mound it against the bark — this causes rot) and extend it out to the drip line if possible. Avoid dyed or rubber mulches near trees.

Common signs of a dying tree include dead branches in the upper crown, bark falling off the trunk, fungal growth (mushrooms or conks) at the base, and leaves that are smaller, yellowed, or absent on one side. Leaning that has increased recently, cracks in the trunk, and root heaving are also warning signs. If you notice any of these, schedule a professional arborist assessment — some trees can be saved with the right intervention, while others may need removal before they become a hazard.

An arborist is a trained professional who specializes in the care and maintenance of trees. ISA Certified Arborists like Matthew Bossche (MI-4776A) have passed a comprehensive exam covering tree biology, diagnosis, pruning, safety, and soil science. Arborists assess tree health, recommend treatments, perform pruning and removals following industry standards (ANSI A300), and can identify hazards before they cause damage. Unlike a general landscaper, an arborist understands tree biology at a deeper level.