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
Skip to content Your trees are one of the most valuable parts of your property, as they provide shade, structure, and timeless beauty to your home and neighborhood. But keeping them healthy requires more than just occasional trimming. When trees become overgrown, diseased, or structurally unsound, they can quickly turn from an asset into a liability.
That’s why homeowners across Birmingham, Michigan trust Longtree Tree Service. Our ISA-certified arborists provide expert pruning, plant health care, and safe, professional removals designed to preserve your trees and protect your property year-round. Whether you’re caring for historic shade trees or maintaining newer plantings, our team delivers the skill and attention your landscape deserves.
Since 2019, Longtree Tree Service has been the trusted partner for homeowners and property managers throughout Birmingham, Michigan.
We treat every project with the same care and precision we’d expect for our own homes, by delivering expert pruning, safe removals, and science-based plant health care focused on long-term tree vitality and property safety.
From routine maintenance to complex crane-assisted removals, Birmingham residents can count on our experienced team to protect their trees, enhance their landscapes, and keep their properties looking their best year-round.
Downtown Birmingham is about 8 to 9 miles north of our office at 23800 Eight Mile W in Southfield, usually a 20-minute drive by Southfield Road or Woodward.
That puts us close enough for quick estimates, on-time crews and easy follow-up visits. Our phone is answered 24 hours a day, so storm damage gets a response the same night.
From downtown to the neighborhoods north and south of Maple Road, every Birmingham address is an easy run from our yard.
Birmingham incorporated as a village in 1864 and as a city in the early 1930s. Its motto is A Walkable Community, and the 2020 census counted 21,813 residents on about 4.8 square miles, up 8.5 percent from 2010. The city has more than twenty parks, from Shain Park downtown to nature trails and deep woods.
Birmingham treats its urban forest as infrastructure. The city plants about 200 public trees a year, estimates its urban forest’s benefits at more than $21 million and prunes public trees on a block cycle to industry standards, with no topping. Its Tree Preservation Ordinance, Chapter 5 of the city code, sets the policies and fines.
A growing population on a small footprint means a lot of building on established lots, often right next to trees that have shaded those streets for generations.
Residents can even request a public tree by calling the Department of Public Services. A staff member or contracted arborist inspects the site, and the city picks the species and location.
Construction is the biggest threat to mature trees here. Removing, pruning or root-pruning public trees is prohibited unless it’s approved in a site plan or a tree work permit, and any work near public trees goes through site plan review. Private trees deserve the same protection, with root zones fenced off before the excavator arrives.
Public trees follow their own rules. Pruning or planting a public tree requires a permit and a City-registered tree service, and some trees inside the sidewalk or at the edge of the right-of-way are shared ownership.
Small yards bring compacted soil. Foot traffic, parking and paving squeeze the air out of the ground around roots, and big trees slowly starve. Mulch, careful watering and Plant Health Care help them hold on.
Good pruning matters more than more pruning. Crown thinning opens a dense canopy to light and wind without changing the tree’s shape, and a crown reduction lowers height the right way. Topping is never the answer.
Mature trees beside new foundations can lose roots on one side during excavation, which makes them more likely to lean or fail years later. That’s why a pre-construction assessment pays for itself.
We follow ISA standards on every cut, the same approach the city expects on its own trees.
Another common problem is a trunk flare buried under piled-up mulch or added soil, which holds moisture against the bark and invites decay. It’s easy to correct once someone spots it.
In a city where people walk past your house every day, tree work is on display. We keep job sites tidy, sidewalks clear and cuts clean, because in Birmingham the neighbors notice.
When we finish, the sidewalk and street are swept clean and every branch leaves with us.
Birmingham’s beautiful neighborhoods are defined by their mature trees and shaded streets, but caring for those trees in an urban environment requires specialized knowledge and consistent maintenance.
Local trees endure harsh winters, hot summers, compacted soil from years of development, and exposure to road salt and pollution — all of which can stress even the healthiest specimens. Add to that regional threats like emerald ash borer, oak wilt, and fungal pathogens, and it’s clear that expert attention is essential for long-term tree health.
At Longtree Tree Service, our ISA-certified arborists understand the conditions that affect Birmingham’s urban forest. We can identify early signs of decline, recommend tailored solutions, and perform safe removals when necessary — all with the goal of preserving your trees and protecting your property.
Quality tree care goes far beyond looks; it’s about ensuring the safety, health, and longevity of your trees and your property. Strategic pruning strengthens structure, improves resilience, and reduces the risk of failure during storms. Poorly executed work, on the other hand, can leave trees weakened, imbalanced, or unsafe.
That’s why homeowners and property managers throughout Birmingham trust Longtree Tree Service. From delicate ornamentals to towering hardwoods, our team brings deep arboricultural expertise, advanced equipment, and the utmost respect for your property to every job we perform.
As a trusted name in Birmingham tree care, Longtree Tree Service provides a full range of professional tree-care services designed to keep your trees healthy, safe, and beautiful. From century-old oaks and maples to newer ornamentals in revitalized neighborhoods, our ISA-certified arborists bring the knowledge, tools, and precision your property deserves.
Whether you need detailed pruning, pest management, or complete tree removals, our goal is to protect your investment and help strengthen Birmingham’s urban canopy for generations to come.
In addition to improving the appearance of your trees, proper, well-timed pruning supports tree health, safety, and structure. Our certified arborists understand how Birmingham’s diverse mix of trees respond to different pruning techniques, ensuring every cut improves strength and form. The result is a balanced, resilient canopy ready to withstand Michigan’s weather extremes.
When a tree becomes hazardous, diseased, or structurally unsound, removal is sometimes the safest solution. We handle every removal with care and precision, using advanced equipment and modern safety protocols to protect your home and surrounding property. Afterward, we leave your yard clean, level, and ready for your next landscaping step.
Birmingham’s urban environment presents unique challenges, including compacted soils, pollution, heat stress, and invasive pests. Our arborists use a proactive, science-based approach to diagnose and treat these issues early, helping trees recover before decline sets in. Whether your maples show signs of tar spot or your ashes are threatened by emerald ash borer, we’ll help restore health and vitality.
Some trees are too large, decayed, or tightly located to remove safely with traditional methods. But Longtree Tree Service will gladly leverage industry-leading crane equipment to enable efficient, controlled removals. This allows us to handle complex jobs safely, even in tight city lots and historic neighborhoods.
Storms and sudden failures can happen anytime. And when they do, fast action is critical. Our emergency crews are available for rapid-response removals to eliminate hazards, clear access, and restore safety to your property. Whether a tree is leaning dangerously or has already fallen, we’ll respond quickly and professionally.
Unsightly stumps can attract pests, block landscaping plans, and even create tripping hazards. But our stump grinding services will completely eliminate your tree stumps and surface roots, leaving behind a clean, level surface that’s ready for replanting, sod installation, or other types of landscape improvements.
We can repurpose the tree we remove into firewood, mulch, or even furniture, helping to reduce waste and make the most of natural resources.
We can assist in selecting and planting a new tree that will thrive in the same location, ensuring your landscape remains vibrant and healthy.
Our ISA-certified arborists provide detailed, science-based evaluations to identify potential issues before they threaten your trees or property. During every inspection, we carefully assess for signs of disease, pest activity, structural defects, and environmental stress, ensuring no detail is overlooked.
We take a comprehensive approach to every assessment, considering species, age, soil conditions, site history, and any specific concerns you may have. This allows us to develop customized recommendations that strengthen your trees and preserve the long-term safety, beauty, and balance of your landscape.
Once the assessment is complete, we’ll review our findings with you, explain next steps clearly, and recommend the best solutions, from precision pruning and fertilization to pest management or, when needed, strategic removals. Our goal is to give you the confidence and clarity to make well-informed decisions about your trees.
At Longtree Tree Service, we know that every property and tree in Birmingham is unique. That’s why we design tailored care plans based on your site’s soil health, tree species, and canopy structure — ensuring each tree gets the attention it deserves.
Our full-service approach includes expert pruning, targeted plant health care, fertilization, pest and disease management, and ongoing maintenance to promote strength and resilience through Michigan’s changing seasons.
Throughout the process, we prioritize communication and transparency, keeping you informed, answering your questions, and ensuring you’re fully comfortable with our recommendations. With Longtree Tree Service, you can expect honesty, professionalism, and results that make your property healthier and more beautiful year after year.
Every tree and property in Birmingham is unique, which is why we approach each project with customized attention and care. Even so, our process follows a proven framework designed to ensure safety, efficiency, and complete client satisfaction from start to finish:
One of our ISA-Certified Arborists will visit your property to evaluate your trees, discuss your goals, and identify any areas of concern.
We’ll develop a clear, science-based plan that outlines the best course of action for your trees and landscape.
Once you approve the plan, we’ll schedule service at a time that works for you and prepare the site for safe, efficient work.
Our experienced crew completes every task with precision and care, protecting your home, surrounding landscape, and property.
After the work is complete, we’ll review the results with you, answer any questions, and ensure your full satisfaction before we leave.
Your trees are an essential part of what makes your property beautiful, safe, and valuable. They provide shade, character, and a lasting connection to Birmingham’s tree-lined neighborhoods. Protecting them starts with choosing the right team.
At Longtree Tree Service, we take pride in combining expert knowledge with honest communication, safe practices, and meticulous attention to detail. Our ISA-certified arborists treat your home and landscape with the same care and respect we’d expect for our own, ensuring every project is handled to the highest professional standard.
From your initial consultation to the final cleanup, you can count on Longtree Tree Service for dependable, high-quality care that keeps your Birmingham trees healthy, beautiful, and thriving for years to come.
At Longtree Tree Service, our work is led by ISA-certified arborists. These professionals have completed rigorous training and earned one of the most respected credentials in the tree care industry. Their deep understanding of tree biology, pest and disease management, and the latest safety standards ensures your trees receive expert, science-based care at every visit.
When you hire a certified arborist, you’re choosing more than a team with the right tools; you’re partnering with knowledgeable professionals dedicated to doing what’s best for your trees, your property, and the surrounding environment.
We believe responsible tree care should benefit both your landscape and the broader community. That’s why sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. From recycling tree debris into mulch to minimizing waste and using environmentally friendly treatments, we take steps to reduce our footprint while keeping Birmingham’s environment healthy.
As proud stewards of Birmingham’s vibrant tree canopy, we’re committed to supporting local efforts that preserve and protect the area’s green spaces. Because caring for trees today helps build a stronger, greener community for future generations.
We believe responsible tree care should benefit both your landscape and the broader community. That’s why sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. From recycling tree debris into mulch to minimizing waste and using environmentally friendly treatments, we take steps to reduce our footprint while keeping Birmingham’s environment healthy.
As proud stewards of Birmingham’s vibrant tree canopy, we’re committed to supporting local efforts that preserve and protect the area’s green spaces. Because caring for trees today helps build a stronger, greener community for future generations.
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.
If you’re looking for professional, reliable tree care in Birmingham, 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.
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
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!
