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Most people call about a dead tree in May, when the leaves come out on every tree in the yard except that one.
That is the worst month to call. Right now is the best, and the window is not very wide.
Here is why late fall and early winter are the right time to remove a tree, grind a stump, or clear brush in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota — and why waiting until spring costs you more than it saves.
Frozen Ground Protects Your Yard
This is the one most homeowners never think about until they see the aftermath.
Tree work means equipment in your yard — a lift, a chipper, a skid steer, a truck hauling out wood. On soft ground in April or October rain, that equipment leaves ruts. Deep ones. Then you are repairing the lawn on top of paying for the tree.
Frozen ground carries the weight. The equipment comes in, does the work, and leaves the turf essentially as it found it. Your yard in spring looks like nothing happened.
That is also why this window is narrow. We want the ground firm but not buried. Once there is a foot and a half of snow on everything, access gets harder and the job gets slower.
With the Leaves Off, We Can Actually See the Tree
A tree in full leaf hides its own problems.
Bare branches show the whole structure — dead limbs, cracks, weak crotches, decay at a union, how the weight is distributed, and which way it wants to fall. For a removal near a house, a ...
One of the most common questions we hear from Detroit Lakes homeowners right now is a simple one: "How do I even know if I have an ash tree?"
It is the right question to ask. Emerald Ash Borer is confirmed in counties surrounding Becker County and moving our direction. Before you can decide whether to treat and protect your trees — or whether EAB is even a concern for your property — you need to know what you have. Here is exactly how to tell.
The Three Things That Identify an Ash Tree
Ash trees have three specific characteristics that, when you see all three together, confirm what you are looking at. You do not need any tools or expertise — just your eyes and a few minutes in your yard.
1. Opposite Branching
Look at how the branches grow off the main limb. On an ash tree, branches grow directly across from each other in matched pairs — one on the left, one on the right, at the same point on the stem. This is called opposite branching and is one of the most reliable identifiers. Most common trees in Minnesota — oak, maple, basswood — have alternating branches that stagger up the stem. Ash does not.
2. Compound Leaves
An ash leaf is not a single leaf — it is a group of individual leaflets joined along a central stalk, which then attaches to the branch. Each stalk carries five to nine leaflets depending on the...
The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive insect that poses a significant threat to ash trees. This destructive pest has already devastated ash tree populations across North America, and while it may not yet be confirmed in our immediate area, it's crucial for homeowners to be proactive in protecting their valuable trees.
What is Emerald Ash Borer?
EAB is a small, metallic-green beetle that lays its eggs on ash trees. The larvae then bore into the tree's bark, feeding on the inner tissues that transport water and nutrients. This disrupts the tree's ability to survive, eventually leading to its death.
The Threat to Our Community
While EAB hasn't been officially confirmed in our specific location, it's present in nearby regions and is expected to arrive soon. Because EAB can spread rapidly, it's essential to take preventative measures before an infestation occurs. Early detection and treatment are the most effective ways to save your ash trees.
Our Proactive Solution: Preventative Tree Injections
Our landscape company is now offering a specialized tree injection service that provides effective preventative protection against Emerald Ash Borer. This treatment involves injecting a safe and effective insecticide directly into the tree, which protects it for up to two years.
Benefits of Preventative Treatment:
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