A Michigan Homeowner’s Guide to Armillaria Root Rot
Armillaria is pretty famous as far as fungi go. Its fame is generally tied to the fact that it can
Your trees bring shade, beauty, and value to your property. But maintaining them also comes with responsibility. When trees become diseased, damaged, or unstable, they can threaten the safety of your home, your family, and your neighborhood.
That’s why homeowners throughout Bloomfield Hills, Michigan trust Longtree Tree Service. Our ISA-certified arborists provide expert pruning, proactive health care, and safe, efficient removals to keep your trees thriving, your property secure, and your landscape looking its best year-round.
With its mature neighborhoods and scenic landscapes, Bloomfield Hills is home to some of the most beautiful trees in Southeast Michigan. But keeping them healthy takes knowledge and care. The area’s cold winters, hot summers, and variable soil conditions can all take a toll on tree health, especially without regular maintenance.
Routine pruning, trimming, and professional inspections are essential to prevent decline and encourage strong, balanced growth. By working with experienced arborists who understand the specific needs of local species and site conditions, you can ensure your trees remain healthy, safe, and a lasting part of your property’s beauty.
Bloomfield Hills is about 10 to 11 miles north of our office at 23800 Eight Mile W in Southfield, typically a 20-minute drive up Telegraph or Woodward.
That’s close enough to walk a property with you on short notice, bring a crane in on schedule and come back for follow-up work without turning it into a production. Our phone is answered 24 hours a day if a storm brings down a limb on an estate.
We’re used to working around gated drives, long approaches and homes set well back from the road. Planning access is part of the first visit, so the crew isn’t figuring it out on the day.
Bloomfield Hills was farmland until around the turn of the 20th century, when wealthy Detroit families began buying it up for country homes. It incorporated as a village in 1927 and voted to become a city in 1929, partly to avoid being absorbed by Birmingham. The 2020 census counted 4,460 residents on just over 5 square miles.
George Booth’s Cranbrook, now a National Historic Landmark, set the tone for the community: architecture and landscape designed together, with Christ Church Cranbrook consecrated in 1928. Many of the estates that followed were built on large, wooded parcels, with homes sited among existing trees and grounds planted for the long run.
The result is one of the wealthiest cities in Michigan and one of its most valuable canopies. About 39 percent of owner-occupied homes here are valued above $1 million. On properties like these, a single old oak can anchor the entire landscape, and losing it changes the whole property.
Across much of the city, the oldest thing on a property isn’t the house. It’s the trees around it.
Large trees on estates usually stand near homes, terraces, pools and planted gardens, so a removal is rarely a simple drop. Crane-assisted removal lifts sections up and over the house and out to the street, which keeps weight off lawns, hardscape and plantings.
Often the goal is to keep a tree, not cut it. Cabling and bracing can support a weak union on an old oak or maple. Crown cleaning and reduction take weight off long limbs. Plant Health Care programs deal with pests and disease before a tree starts to decline.
Renovation is the other big risk. Heavy equipment, trenching and grade changes over a root zone can kill a century-old tree years after the builders are gone. We set protection zones and plan root work before construction starts.
Permits are part of the job here. Bloomfield Hills requires a tree removal permit for regulated trees, the Building Department reviews every removal on a property before work begins, landmark trees get stronger protection, and the city may require replacement plantings. We plan for all of it from the first visit.
Many owners prefer a written plan. We note each significant tree’s condition, what it needs and when, so pruning, cabling checks and treatments happen on schedule instead of after something breaks.
Estate trees outlive the people who plant them. We treat every property as a long-term relationship: the same arborists, notes from past visits and a plan that looks years ahead instead of one season at a time.
We also keep the paperwork simple, from permit reviews to replacement planting plans when the city asks for them.
Bloomfield Hills is known for its elegant landscapes and mature tree canopy — from towering oaks and maples to ornamental plantings that frame its beautiful homes. But maintaining those trees takes expertise and care.
The area’s trees face a range of environmental stressors, including harsh winter freezes, dry summer spells, compacted soils, and exposure to road salt from nearby streets. Pests such as emerald ash borer and diseases like oak wilt continue to threaten even well-established trees, making proactive care essential to long-term health and safety.
At Longtree Tree Service, we understand the unique conditions that affect Bloomfield Hills’ trees. Our ISA-certified arborists can identify early signs of decline, provide targeted health care solutions, and safely remove hazardous trees when necessary, thereby helping preserve both the beauty of your property and the safety of your surroundings.
Expert tree care isn’t just about maintaining curb appeal; it’s about protecting your home, enhancing safety, and ensuring your trees stay strong for decades too. Proper pruning and maintenance improve structure, reduce risk, and encourage healthy growth, while poor or rushed work can leave trees vulnerable to decay and failure.
That’s why Bloomfield Hills homeowners and property managers turn to Longtree Tree Service. With deep arboricultural knowledge, advanced equipment, and a reputation for integrity, we provide dependable care that keeps your trees healthy, stable, and beautiful year after year.
As a trusted name in Bloomfield Hills tree care, Longtree Tree Service provides a complete range of professional arborist services to keep your trees healthy, safe, and beautiful. From mature oaks and maples to newly planted ornamentals, our ISA-certified arborists bring the expertise, tools, and precision your property deserves.
Whether you need expert pruning, pest management, or complete tree removals, our mission is to protect your investment and help Bloomfield Hills’ canopy continue to thrive for generations.
Thoughtful, properly timed pruning does more than shape your trees; it also strengthens their structure, enhances safety, and promotes long-term health. Our certified arborists understand how different tree species common to Bloomfield Hills respond to pruning, ensuring every cut is strategic and beneficial. The result is a balanced, beautiful canopy that can withstand Michigan’s changing seasons.
When a tree becomes unstable, diseased, or poses a safety risk, professional removal may be the best option. At Longtree Tree Service, we plan and execute each removal carefully, using advanced techniques and equipment to protect your home and surrounding landscape. Once complete, we leave your property clean, safe, and ready for what comes next.
Trees in Bloomfield Hills face constant pressure from compacted soils, air pollution, and invasive pests. Our arborists take a proactive, science-based approach — diagnosing problems early and applying targeted treatments to build resilience and restore vitality. Whether your oaks are succumbing to wilt or your birches are struggling with bronze birch borer, we’ll help your trees recover and thrive.
Some trees are simply too large, decayed, or tightly situated for standard removal methods. In these cases, we’ll leverage crane equipment to handle even the most complex removals safely and efficiently. Our team has extensive experience working around homes, driveways, and landscaped areas where precision is essential.
Severe weather and sudden failures can occur at any time, disrupting your routine and putting your family at risk. But when they do, Longtree Tree Service is ready to respond quickly. Our emergency crews act fast to remove hazardous trees, clear access points, and restore safety to your property — day or night, rain or shine.
Leftover stumps can certainly be an eyesore, but they also attract pests, interfere with landscaping, and create tripping hazards. Our professional stump grinding service removes stumps and surface roots completely, leaving a smooth, level area ready for new sod, replacement trees, or your next outdoor improvement project.
We can turn the tree we remove into firewood, mulch, or even furniture. This helps reduce waste and make good use of resources.
We can help you pick and plant a new tree that will grow well in the same spot, ensuring your landscape stays healthy and lively.
Our ISA-certified arborists provide thorough, science-based tree health assessments to identify potential issues before they become serious problems. During each inspection, we evaluate your trees for signs of disease, pest activity, structural defects, and environmental stress to ensure that nothing is overlooked.
We take a holistic approach to every evaluation, considering factors such as species, age, soil conditions, location, and your specific concerns. This allows us to create tailored recommendations that protect the long-term health, beauty, and stability of your landscape.
Once your assessment is complete, we’ll walk you through our findings, explain next steps in clear, practical terms, and outline the best solutions — from pruning and fertilization to pest management or, when necessary, strategic removal. Our goal is to provide clarity and confidence so you can make informed decisions about your trees.
At Longtree Tree Service, we know that every Bloomfield Hills property and tree is unique. That’s why we design individualized care plans based on your site’s conditions, soil health, and canopy composition.
Our full-service approach includes precision pruning, targeted plant health care, fertilization, pest and disease control, and long-term maintenance. All of these services are designed to strengthen your trees and enhance your landscape’s resilience through Michigan’s changing seasons.
Throughout the process, we maintain open, honest communication. This includes explaining our recommendations, answering your questions, and ensuring you always understand the work being done. With Longtree Tree Service, you can expect transparency, professionalism, and visible results that make your property healthier and more beautiful year after year.
Every tree and property in Bloomfield Hills is unique, which is why we approach each project with personalized care. Still, we follow a proven process designed to ensure safety, efficiency, and complete client satisfaction from beginning to end:
Your trees are a defining feature of your property. They provide shade, beauty, and lasting value to your home and landscape. Protecting them means partnering with a team that combines expertise, integrity, and genuine care for your property.
At Longtree Tree Service, we take pride in providing clear communication, safe work practices, and meticulous attention to detail on every project. Our ISA-certified arborists treat your property with the same respect and precision we’d expect for our own homes, ensuring every job is completed to the highest standard.
From your first consultation to the final cleanup, you can rely on Longtree Tree Service for professional, dependable care that keeps your Bloomfield Hills trees healthy, beautiful, and strong for years to come.
At Longtree Tree Service, our work is guided by ISA-certified arborists — professionals who have completed extensive training and earned one of the most respected credentials in the tree care industry. Their expertise in tree biology, pest and disease management, and the latest safety and care standards ensures your trees receive the highest level of science-based care.
When you hire a certified arborist, you’re choosing more than a crew with equipment; you’re partnering with a knowledgeable expert dedicated to doing what’s best for your trees, your property, and the environment as a whole.
We believe responsible tree care should protect both your landscape and the larger ecosystem. That’s why sustainability is central to everything we do. From recycling tree debris into nutrient-rich mulch to minimizing waste and using environmentally conscious treatments whenever possible, we do everything we can to help protect the local environment.
As proud stewards of Bloomfield Hills’ urban forest, we’re committed to supporting local efforts that preserve and strengthen the area’s tree canopy. Because the work we do today helps ensure a greener, healthier community for generations to come.
Whether you need preventative pruning, emergency removals, or expert diagnosis of a declining tree, Longtree Tree Service is here to help.
Contact our team today to schedule professional, reliable tree care for your Bloomfield Hills home or commercial property.
If you’re looking for professional, reliable tree care in Bloomfield Hills, MI, look no further than Long Tree Service. Whether you need tree removal for a hazardous or unwanted tree, stump grinding to clear out unsightly remnants, or expert tree trimming and pruning to promote healthy growth, our team is ready to help. Our certified arborists provide knowledgeable guidance and skilled service tailored to your property’s specific needs. For comprehensive tree service that keeps your landscape safe and beautiful year-round, trust the experts at Long Tree.
Longtree Tree Service proudly serves communities across Michigan, offering professional tree care tailored to the unique needs of our region. From routine maintenance to complex removals, our expert team is here to ensure the health and beauty of your trees.
It may. Bloomfield Hills requires a tree removal permit for regulated trees, and the Building Department reviews every removal on a property before work begins. As part of that review, the city may require replacement plantings. Removing a regulated tree without approval can bring replacement trees, restitution payments or liens. Call the Building Department at (248) 644-1520 before starting, and we’ll factor any replacement plan into your estimate.
A landmark tree is one of exceptional size, age or significance, and Bloomfield Hills gives landmark trees stronger protection than other regulated trees under its tree and woodland ordinance. If you’re planning work around a very large or very old tree, assume it may qualify and have it reviewed before any decisions are made about removal or construction nearby.
Yes, and it usually causes less ground disturbance than a conventional removal. The crane is set up on the driveway or street, and our climbers cut the tree into sections that are lifted up and over the house, gardens and hardscape instead of being lowered or dropped onto them. Ground protection mats cover lawn areas where equipment has to travel.
Protect the root zone before construction starts. That means fencing off the area under and beyond the tree’s canopy, keeping equipment, materials and soil piles out of it, and avoiding trenching and grade changes there. Where roots must be cut, an arborist should prune them cleanly. Construction damage often doesn’t show for two to five years, so a plan up front costs far less than losing the tree later.
Often, yes. Cabling connects major limbs with steel cables to limit how much they move in the wind, and bracing installs rods through a weak union to hold it together. Both reduce the chance of a split on a valuable tree. They don’t fix advanced decay, so the tree needs an arborist’s assessment first and periodic checks after the hardware is installed.
Armillaria is pretty famous as far as fungi go. Its fame is generally tied to the fact that it can
Black walnut trees are a familiar sight across Michigan — you may even have one in your own yard. But
Tree diseases can be pretty tricky. Take Armillaria root rot, for example. This aggressive fungal disease can quietly destroy a
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jen doktorcik2 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Longtree was amazing to work with! Easy to schedule and Stephanie was very informative while giving a quote. Ben and his team very quickly, and relatively quietly, removed 2 huge branches hanging over my roof. I would definitely recommend and use again!Posted on Google![]()
Joe Trotta6 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
In today’s world there are a lot of companies out there that have sort of a Jekyll and Hyde business approach . The first interaction seems to be a good one only to find out once they have your business any further interactions aren’t at the same level. Well this is certainly NOT the case with Longtree. This was my second interaction and was a much smaller job than my previous tree and stump removal. Nonetheless the way this job was handled from Stephanie coming out to walk me through what she thought should/could be done, to Jane working with me to schedule my job to Rafael and his team coming out this morning to do the work, I continue to be in total awe of their professionalism, workmanship and their true customer first attitude. This is a great company and even better team of employees. Again thanks for another GREAT experience !Posted on Google![]()
rosalyn ross8 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Bob and his crew I must say they are so professional, I've been having tree service for a long time and I must say these guys are the best so professional and it's hard to get professionalism these days.Posted on Google![]()
Colleen Nevin8 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
There is your injured tree, and the neighbor's injured tree...when the winds of the storm tossed the broken limb of your tree into the heart of their tree...Longtree did such a nice job of dropping broken, dangling limbs into small, safe places amid other landscaping...and doing the best for the neighboring tree to afford it the best chance at recovery...and then there is watching how they ascend and descend as they attend to the trees...it's like watching a performance of the Cirque du Soleil...we are happy, and the neighbor is happy...Posted on Google![]()
margaret Gaerig14 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Hired Longtree to trim a white birch clump and a large locust tree. We were able to meet with Kyle for an estimate soon after our request - he arrived on time, was knowledgable, and assessed the best service for our trees. Rafael and his crew arrived as scheduled the next week, and were professional, courteous, and knowledgable. They explained what they were doing the whole way, asked for our input, and cleaned up all of the debris. Will hire again, and have already referred a friend.Posted on Google![]()
Kristine Shike15 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Thanks Rafael and Stephanie from Longtree you guys did an awesome job. My tree was huge and dying and hanging over my roof. Not anymore! Thanks you guys, good work!Posted on Google![]()
Delano Smith15 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Quick and very reliable service. Rafael and his crew did amazing work and Rafael did an amazing job of ensuring I was completely satisfied with their work!Posted on Google![]()
James David17 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Fantastic customer service! Superb workmanship. Really helped me understand what my options were. Very knowledgeable. Honestly, not a bad thing to say. Thanks Kyle!Posted on Google![]()
Matthew Myers17 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Knowledgeable professionals, kind, communicative, excellent service. Jason, Derek, Rafael, and Stephanie were incredible.Posted on Google![]()
KIMBERLY SCRUGGS22 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Longtree Tree Service is amazing. The crew came & did great work. Ben & his crew were very professional, had an assembly line & cleaned up after themselves leaving no mess behind. I’m so happy that I went with this business I recommend them I give 5 stars.
Our team is here to help with your next tree project. From routine trimming to emergency removals or expert guidance from a certified arborist, we deliver transparent quotes and hassle-free estimates. Proudly serving all of Southeastern Michigan.
Call today for your free estimate and connect with our friendly team. Experience why Longtree Tree Service is trusted as one of the top tree companies—offering safety, professionalism, and personalized service on every job.
We’ll get the tree off your home or structure quickly and help you navigate the insurance claims process from start to finish if necessary!
If you need help with your trees, we would love an opportunity EARN YOUR BUSINESS. Consultations are always free and serve as the first step toward finding the right solution for your trees!