Professional Tree Planting Services in Milford, MI
Healthy trees planted correctly—for beauty, value, and longevity
Professional Tree Planting Done the Right Way
Arborist-led planting that ensures survival, structure, and long-term health
Planting a tree is one of the best investments you can make in your property — increasing home value, reducing energy savings, air quality, wildlife habitat, and beauty that lasts generations. But 50% of newly planted trees die within 5–7 years because of poor species selection, bad planting technique, or lack of follow-up care.
At Ivan’s Tree Services we plant trees the correct, arborist-approved way — every single time. We don’t just dig a hole and drop in a balled-and-burlapped tree from the big box store. We select species perfectly matched to your soil, sunlight, space, and goals, then plant using current ANSI A300 Part 6 (Transplanting) standards. Every tree we plant comes with a full 2-year warranty (longer than anyone else in Michigan).
We are fully licensed, insured, and ISA Certified Arborist-supervised on every planting job.
We proudly serve Ann Arbor, Milford, Novi, South Lyon, Wixom, New Hudson, Southfield, Brighton, Pinckney, Howell, Plymouth, Commerce Township, Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield, Northville, Walled Lake, Troy, Farmington Hills, Livonia, Dearborn, and Westland.
Our Stump Grinding Equipment & Techniques
Matching the right machine to every job.
Unlike companies that rely on a single grinder, we own and operate a full fleet of professional machines so we can match the tool to the stump, terrain, and access.
Our equipment includes:
- Vermeer SC362 / SC60 series – Narrow-track units for tight backyard access
- Remote-controlled Carlton SP8018TRX or Bandit 2890 – Slope-capable machines for hillsides and wet spring conditions
- Bandit 2550 or 2650 track grinders – Daily residential workhorses
- Carlton Hurricane RS or Vermeer SC1102 – 100+ HP machines for massive 60–80″ oak or cottonwood stumps
Owning (not renting) this equipment allows us to work faster, cleaner, and with less ground impact.
Service Details & Professional Standards
How we plant trees correctly—and why they survive
From species selection to planting depth and aftercare, the following details explain why our trees outperform typical contractor or retail plantings. We only recommend trees proven to thrive in our heavy clay soils, cold winters, and hot summers. Popular choices we plant most:
Shade Trees
- Red Oak (Quercus rubra) – native, 70–80 ft, stunning fall color
- Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor) – wet soil tolerant
- Autumn Blaze Maple (Acer x freemanii ‘Jeffersred’) – fast-growing, brilliant red fall
- Red Sunset Maple (Acer rubrum ‘Red Sunset’) – reliable color
- Skyline Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Skycole’) – thornless, drought-tolerant, filtered shade
- Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus) – tough, male (seedless) cultivars only
Ornamental & Flowering Trees
- Cleveland Select Pear – upright, white spring flowers, disease-resistant
- Ivory Silk Lilac Tree (Syringa reticulata) – huge creamy blooms, June
- Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) – native, pink spring flowers
- Serviceberry (Amelanchier) – native, edible berries, multi-season interest
- Hot Wings Tatarian Maple – red samaras all summer
Evergreen Privacy Screens
- Techny Arborvitae – best all-around
- Emerald Green Arborvitae – narrower
- Black Hills Spruce – slow-growing, dense
- Concolor Fir (White Fir) – soft needles, citrus scent
- Canada Red Chokecherry – fast privacy, purple foliage
- We avoid problem trees like silver maple (weak wood), Bradford pear (invasive, splits), weeping willow (messy, invasive roots), and ash (EAB).
Our Tree Planting Process – The Professional Way
A science-based, step-by-step approach that maximizes survival
Every step of our planting process is designed to reduce transplant shock, promote rapid root establishment, and set the tree up for decades of healthy growth in Michigan soil and climate conditions.
Fall vs Spring Planting in Michigan
Fall (Sept 15 – Nov 15) is actually the BEST time to plant in Michigan — cooler air, warm soil, less transplant shock, better root establishment before winter. Spring planting works too, but fall gives you a huge head start.
Our Exclusive 2-Year Tree Warranty
Every tree we plant is guaranteed to live and thrive for two full growing seasons. If it doesn’t (for any reason other than neglect or Acts of God), we replace it free — including labor. We check on your tree at 6 months and 18 months at no charge.
Planting Packages & Special Services
- New Home Packages – 5–15 trees for instant privacy/curb appeal
- Native Pollinator Habitat Plantings – serviceberry, redbud, dogwood
- Memorial Trees with engraved plaque
- Tree Relocation (transplanting existing trees on your property)
- Deer Protection cages & repellent programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some quick answers to common concerns.
Can you plant in clay soil?
Yes — we specialize in it. We choose tolerant species and plant high if drainage is poor.
Do you offer native trees?
Absolutely — we partner with local native nurseries for best genetics.
What size trees do you plant?
1.5–4″ caliper shade trees, 6–12 ft evergreens, up to 6–8″ specimen trees with tree spade.