We provide a full range of tree services for residential and commercial properties in Kalamazoo and Southwest Michigan:

• Emergency tree removal — 24/7, year-round

• Hazardous tree removal — dead, diseased, leaning, or storm-damaged trees

• Tree trimming and pruning — for health, clearance, and aesthetics

• Stump grinding and removal

• Storm damage cleanup — branches, debris, fallen trees

• Land clearing — for new construction or property improvement

• Deadwood removal — removing dead limbs from otherwise healthy trees

• Tree assessment and consultation — is that tree safe?

We operate under Emergency Tree Cutters LLC (DBA Kalamazoo Tree Cutters 247) and are fully insured for your protection.

We will work directly with your insurance company to make sure your getting the most out of your coverage for your emergency tree service and structural patch and repair needs.

It depends on where the tree is located and which municipality you're in:

• Private property, City of Kalamazoo: A tree removal permit is generally required for removing trees over a certain diameter (typically 6–10 inches DBH). Check with the City of Kalamazoo's Public Services department.

• Portage, Oshtemo, Texas Township: Rules vary — some require permits, some don't for private property trees.

• Street trees (between sidewalk and curb): These are almost always municipal property — you must contact your city, village, or township before any work. Do not touch municipal street trees without authorization.

• Historic or heritage trees: Special protections may apply.

We can help you determine permit requirements for your specific address and assist with the process. When in doubt, call us first — we'll guide you.

For trimming and pruning: Late fall through early spring (dormant season) is ideal. Trees are leafless, making structural issues easier to see, and they recover faster from cuts during dormancy. In Michigan, this typically means November through March.

For tree removal: Any time of year. Hazardous or dead trees should be removed as soon as possible regardless of season. Frozen ground in winter can actually make equipment access easier in some situations.

For oak trees specifically: Avoid pruning oaks in Michigan from April through July to prevent Oak Wilt, a deadly disease spread by beetles active during warm months.

Pricing note: Some companies offer lower rates in winter (off-peak season). Emergency work is always available at any time, year-round.

Yes — working in tight spaces near structures is exactly what professional tree crews specialize in. A tree right next to your house cannot simply be felled into the yard. Instead, it requires a technique called sectional removal: the tree is climbed and dismantled piece by piece from the top down, with each section carefully rigged and lowered to the ground.

This takes more time and expertise than a straightforward removal, which is reflected in the cost. But it's the only safe approach for trees near homes, garages, fences, and landscaping.

Never hire someone who proposes to simply "drop" a large tree next to your house. That's reckless and could result in catastrophic damage.

Yes, we offer stump grinding. After a tree is removed, the stump can be left (if it won't cause problems) or ground down using a stump grinder — a machine with a rotating cutting wheel that reduces the stump to wood chips and sawdust several inches below grade.

Reasons to grind the stump:

• Stumps are a tripping hazard and eyesore

• Stumps can continue to send up sprouts from remaining roots

• They attract termites, carpenter ants, and other insects

• They get in the way of mowing, landscaping, or future construction

The wood chip debris left behind can be raked into the hole as fill, used as mulch, or hauled away — your choice.