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Storm and tree damage in Detroit

Arborists and roofers for storm damage.

100 pros in Detroit

Detroit has a city programme aimed at trees on private property, and it shapes how many residents approach tree work. Under the Dead, Dangerous, and Diseased Tree program, you report a tree, an inspector decides whether it qualifies, and the city schedules a contractor at no charge to you. Demand has far outrun funding: by August 2024 there were 7,500 applications for about 3,500 trees, and people not yet served stay on a waitlist. That means a tree you cannot wait on may need a private hire. Storms add urgency. After the August 2023 storms, more than 250,000 DTE customers lost power, with big clusters in Detroit and Wayne County. Before you hire, ask whether any power line repairs are finished, since DTE says not to start cleanup until they are. If the job includes roof repairs, ask for a Michigan licence that lists roofing as a trade. Get the scope of work in writing, including who hauls the debris.

Sources: Planet Detroit (source, opens in a new tab), WDIV ClickOnDetroit (source, opens in a new tab)

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Before you hire

  1. For a tree near power lines, call your utility first: only a utility-certified arborist should work within 3 m of the wires.

    Source: bchydro.com (source, opens in a new tab)

  2. Ask which permits the job needs and who will get them; your municipal building department can tell you before work starts.

    Source: ised-isde.canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

  3. Ask about liability insurance and workers’ compensation cover before anyone works on your roof or property.

    Source: ised-isde.canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

Questions about hiring in Detroit

Can the city remove a dangerous tree on my Detroit property?

Possibly. Detroit's Dead, Dangerous, and Diseased Tree program lets you report a private-property tree. If an inspector finds it qualifies, the city schedules a contractor to trim or remove it at no charge to you. Check the programme's current status first, because the waitlist is long and funding is limited. City of Detroit, Department of Neighborhoods (source, opens in a new tab)

Why might I still need a private tree contractor in Detroit?

Applications far exceeded the funding. By August 2024 the city had received 7,500 applications for about 3,500 trees, and those not yet served stay on a waitlist. If a tree threatens your home and cannot wait, getting quotes from private contractors may be the faster route. Planet Detroit (source, opens in a new tab)

When is it safe to start storm clean-up after a storm?

DTE advises not to begin yard cleanup until power line repairs are complete, because energized lines may be hidden in brush. Stay at least 25 feet from a downed line and assume it is live. Any contractor you hire should follow the same rule. DTE Energy (source, opens in a new tab)

What should I check before hiring someone for storm roof repairs?

Ask for the contractor's Michigan licence. The Bureau of Construction Codes licenses Residential Builders and Maintenance & Alteration Contractors for specific trades, and roofing is a listed trade. Confirm the licence covers roofing, then get a written quote listing the work, materials, debris removal and timing. michigan.gov (source, opens in a new tab)

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