Tree work rules in Michigan
What the state says about tree work, with the page each rule comes from. It's a summary of the published rules, not legal advice, and your city or county can have rules of its own.
Checked September 26, 2026
Licensing
Tree removal permits
Michigan's Right to Forest Act only shields forestry operations from nuisance suits. It doesn't bar local tree ordinances.3
Trees near power lines
If a tree is touching the power line to your house, keep clear and call your utility first. Clearing the line is the utility's job, and a tree company can't start until it's done.
In Michigan the federal OSHA rule is the one that applies: workers who aren't trained for line work keep 10 feet from lines up to 50,000 volts.4
811 and stump work
Spraying and treating trees
In Michigan applicators working for hire need commercial certification, or registration if they use only general-use pesticides, and the business needs a pesticide application business license from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Ornamental work is category 3B, and 3A is turfgrass.7
Get quotes from companies in your county
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Sources
What tree work costs in Michigan
Published national ranges for removal, trimming, stump grinding and arborist visits, and a planning estimate for your own job.
Companies in Michigan
Michigan has 1,820 tree service companies listed, and 1,416 of them hold an active USDOT registration. Browse them by county, or ask for quotes and we'll pass your job to companies near you.
Cite this page
“Tree work rules in Michigan.” InspecTree, updated September 26, 2026. https://inspectree.com/mi/rules/