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 are a key part of what makes your property beautiful, offering shade, character, and long-term value. But when trees become damaged or start to decline, they can also become a serious safety concern.
That’s why homeowners in Franklin, Michigan turn to Longtree Tree Service. Our ISA-certified arborists provide expert pruning, preventative care, and safe removals to protect your home, support tree health, and keep your property looking its best.
Since 2019, Longtree Tree Service has been providing reliable, professional tree care to homeowners and property managers throughout Franklin, Michigan.
We approach every job with the care and precision we’d want for our own homes and provide the kind of expert pruning, safe and efficient removals, and proactive health care services that will help your trees thrive for years to come.
Whether you need seasonal maintenance or complex crane-assisted removals, you can trust our experienced team to handle the work safely and professionally.
Franklin is about 6 miles north of our office at 23800 Eight Mile W in Southfield, usually a 15-minute drive up Telegraph or Franklin Road.
That keeps estimates easy to schedule and lets us come back for phased work on large wooded properties without long travel charges. And because we answer the phone 24 hours a day, a tree across your driveway after a storm gets a fast response.
Before any big job, we walk the property to plan access, so trucks and equipment stay off lawns, gardens and soft ground.
Franklin was settled in 1824 and 1825 by Elijah Bullock and other pioneers and named after Benjamin Franklin a few years later. It incorporated as a village in 1953. On November 11, 1969, it became Michigan’s first historic district, listed on the National Register of Historic Places that same year. Just north of the village, the Franklin Cider Mill began as a gristmill in 1837 and has pressed cider since 1949.
Today the village has 3,139 residents (2020 census) on about 2.7 square miles. It kept its small-village scale while the suburbs filled in around it, and its residential streets are known for wooded lots and mature trees. Some of those trees stand beside homes from the village’s earliest decades, and many lots still hold patches of woods that were never cleared.
That combination, historic homes plus real woodland, is what makes tree care in Franklin different from a typical suburb.
Franklin students attend Birmingham Public Schools, a link that dates to 1945, when the village’s old school district joined Birmingham’s.
Woodland lots need management, not just the occasional removal. Invasive shrubs like buckthorn and honeysuckle crowd out young native trees, and dead standing trees build up over time. Some can stay for wildlife. Others are close enough to the house, driveway or paths to be a real hazard.
Large properties are easier to manage with a plan. Walking the lot with an arborist and sorting trees into urgent, soon and later turns an overwhelming job into a few manageable visits.
Timing helps, too. Winter removals on frozen ground leave far less damage on lawns, gardens and soft woodland soil, and bare branches make it easier to see what you’re working with.
Older homes need careful hands. Big trees beside historic houses are taken down in sections and lowered, never dropped near the structure. Because Franklin is a historic village, we also confirm any local requirements before major removals near the historic center.
Trees that grew up close together in the woods tend to be tall and thin, with most of their crown at the top. When the trees around them come down, the ones left standing suddenly catch much more wind. We think about that before thinning a stand.
Plant Health Care helps, too. Trees on wooded lots compete hard for water and nutrients, and stressed trees are the first to fall to borers and root disease.
In a community of about 3,000 people, a sloppy job doesn’t stay a secret. We like it that way. It means our work in Franklin speaks for itself, one property at a time.
Our arborists would rather spend an extra hour planning than an extra day fixing a mistake.
Franklin is known for its wooded lots, mature trees, and beautiful natural surroundings. But maintaining those trees takes more than just seasonal trimming, especially given the weather, soil conditions, and pests that pose threats to the city’s trees.
Local trees must withstand freezing winters, summer heatwaves, soil compaction from construction and heavy foot traffic, and seasonal exposure to road salt. Add invasive pests like emerald ash borer and diseases like oak wilt, and even healthy trees can quickly become compromised without expert attention.
At Longtree Tree Service, we understand the specific pressures facing Franklin’s trees. Our ISA-certified arborists can detect early warning signs, create tailored care plans, and safely manage removals when necessary — helping you maintain a safe, thriving landscape.
Good tree care isn’t just about keeping your trees looking tidy; it’s also about protecting your property and extending the life of your trees. Done right, services like pruning and fertilization can prevent costly damage and keep your landscape looking its best.
But tree care done poorly can have the opposite effect and lead to stress, decay, or structural instability.
That’s why Franklin homeowners and property managers choose Longtree Tree Service. Our experienced team combines industry knowledge, advanced equipment, and a dedication to best practices to deliver high-quality tree care you can trust.
As one of Franklin’s most trusted tree care providers, Longtree Tree Service offers a complete range of professional services to keep your trees healthy, safe, and beautiful. Whether you’re caring for long-established hardwoods or nurturing younger pines, our ISA-certified arborists bring the experience, equipment, and precision your landscape deserves.
From detailed pruning to advanced plant health solutions, we tailor every service to protect your property and enhance your outdoor space year-round.
Proper pruning does more than improve a tree’s appearance, it also strengthens the tree’s structure, promotes growth, and reduces the risk of failure. Our ISA-certified arborists know how each species responds to specific cuts, ensuring the work supports both immediate health and long-term vitality. Whether you need clearance around your home or shaping for aesthetics, we handle every job with care.
When a tree becomes diseased, unstable, or hazardous, removal may be the only responsible course of action. Our team specializes in technical removals that protect nearby structures, utilities, and landscaping. We complete each job safely, efficiently, and leave your property neat and ready for future plantings or restoration.
Trees in Franklin’s residential settings often face challenges such as compacted soils, limited root zones, and pest attacks. Our arborists perform thorough diagnostics and create targeted treatment plans to address issues like nutrient deficiencies, fungal infections, and invasive insects. Whether your oaks are fighting wilt or your ornamentals are showing stress symptoms, we’ll restore balance to your landscape.
For large or hard-to-reach trees, crane-assisted removal offers a safe and efficient solution. This method allows us to remove trees in confined spaces without damaging your lawn, garden, or landscape features. The professionals at Longtree Tree Service have the experience needed to handle these kinds of complex removals safely, with full control from start to finish.
Severe weather and unexpected failures can happen any time. When they do, you can count on Longtree Tree Service for fast, dependable emergency response. Our crews are equipped to handle everything from fallen trees and broken limbs to dangerous hangers — restoring safety and peace of mind as quickly as possible.
Leftover stumps can create trip hazards, attract pests, and prevent you from installing new plants or replacement trees. Our professional stump grinding services remove stumps and major surface roots completely, leaving behind a clean, level surface that’s ready for sod, replanting, or your next landscaping 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 assist you in selecting and planting a new tree that thrives in the same location, keeping your landscape vibrant and healthy.
At Longtree Tree Service, our ISA-certified arborists perform detailed, science-based tree health assessments designed to identify issues before they become serious problems. During each evaluation, we examine your trees for signs of disease, pest activity, structural weaknesses, and environmental stress. This helps to ensure we obtain a complete picture of their condition.
We take a holistic approach to tree health, considering each tree’s species, age, soil environment, and placement within your landscape. We also take the time to understand your priorities, so we can create a management plan that fits both your goals and your property’s long-term needs.
After the assessment, we’ll walk you through our findings and outline clear, practical next steps, whether that involves pruning, pest control, soil improvement, or, when necessary, removal. Our goal is to give you the confidence and information you need to make the best decisions for your trees.
Every property in Franklin has its own unique ecosystem, and every tree deserves care that reflects it. That’s why we design customized tree care plans focused on the health, safety, and longevity of your landscape.
Our tree-care services cover every aspect of modern arboriculture, including precise trimming and pruning, advanced plant health care, fertilization, pest management, and disease control. Using science-driven techniques and environmentally responsible products, we help your trees remain strong, healthy, and beautiful year after year.
We’ll keep you involved from start to finish, explaining each recommendation and answering your questions along the way. With Longtree Tree Service, you can expect professionalism, transparency, and visible results that enhance both your property and your peace of mind.
Every property in Franklin has its own landscape, challenges, and character, and every tree deserves care that reflects it. That’s why we tailor our work to each client while also following a reliable process that ensures safety, efficiency, and outstanding results every time:
Your trees do more than enhance your property’s beauty; they provide shade, improve air quality, and add long-term value to your home. Protecting them means partnering with a tree care team you can depend on.
At Longtree Tree Service, we’re committed to clear communication, safe practices, and exceptional workmanship on every project. Our certified arborists and skilled crew approach every job with precision and respect for your property.
From your first consultation to the final cleanup, you can count on Longtree Tree Service for reliable, professional care that puts your trees — and your peace of mind — first.
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 expertise covers everything from tree biology and structural assessment to pest management and advanced safety practices.
When you hire a certified arborist, you’re partnering with a professional who understands how to balance safety, science, and preservation, ensuring the best outcomes for your trees and your property.
We believe great tree care should nurture both your property and the environment. That’s why we take an eco-conscious approach that includes recycling tree debris into mulch, using environmentally responsible products, and minimizing our impact on local ecosystems whenever possible.
As caretakers of Franklin’s wooded landscapes, we also support ongoing efforts to protect and sustain the area’s canopy. Responsible tree care today means a healthier, greener Franklin for generations to come.
Whether you need seasonal pruning, emergency tree removal, or expert insight into a declining tree, Longtree Tree Service is here to help.
Contact us today to schedule professional, dependable tree care for your Franklin home or commercial property.
If you’re looking for professional, reliable tree care in Franklin, 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 can. Franklin became Michigan’s first historic district in 1969, and while National Register listing alone doesn’t restrict what private owners do with their trees, the Village of Franklin has its own rules for properties in the village. Before major removals, especially near the historic center, check with the village office. We confirm the requirements for your address before scheduling.
Cut it, then deal with the stumps, because buckthorn and honeysuckle resprout from what’s left in the ground. We clear the brush and talk through follow-up options for the stumps, then plan for a check the next season, since new seedlings sprout from seed already in the soil. Replanting native shrubs and trees in the cleared space helps keep invasives from coming back.
Sometimes. A dead tree that’s far from the house, driveway, paths and play areas can stay as a wildlife snag for birds and other animals. Anything that could reach a structure or a place where people walk if it fell should come down. A simple rule: if the distance to your house or path is less than the tree’s height, have it removed.
Yes, often the best time. Frozen ground supports equipment with much less rutting and turf damage, which matters on soft woodland soil and landscaped yards. With the leaves down, our crew can see branch structure and decay more clearly, and dormant trees are less vulnerable to disease spread from fresh cuts.
Start with an arborist walk-through. We look at every tree near the house, driveway and paths, flag anything that’s a safety risk, then sort the rest into work that should happen soon and work that can wait. That gives you a phased plan and a budget you can spread out, instead of trying to do everything at once.
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 doktorcik3 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 Trotta7 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 ross9 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 Nevin9 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 Gaerig15 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 Shike16 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 Smith16 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 David18 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 Myers18 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 SCRUGGS23 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!