Tree Removal Cost: Charlevoix County, MI

Charlevoix County is Lake Michigan shoreline, inland lakes and northern hardwoods: Charlevoix, Boyne City, East Jordan and Beaver Island. Much of the work is big maples, beech and pines over cottages and lake homes. HomeGuide's 2026 tree cost guide sets the usual single-tree job between $400 and $1,200.

Northern hardwoods lead the forest. The Forest Service's FIA estimates (Michigan 2025 evaluation) count about 166,900 acres of forest land: 55.0% maple/beech/birch, 13.0% white/red/jack pine, 12.6% aspen/birch and 10.9% spruce/fir.

Census Bureau records show 111 one-unit residential buildings permitted in 2025, 107 in 2024 and 101 in 2023, many of them seasonal homes on wooded lots.

Permits

Burn permits are free and online. In the northern Lower Peninsula, the Michigan DNR issues burn permits through its online map: pick Charlevoix County, and if your township shows permits issued that day, that screen is your permit. Leaves, brush, limbs and stumps may be burned; trash may not. Township rules can be stricter.

Oak wilt timing: the DNR advises against pruning or wounding oaks from April 15 to July 15, when beetles spread oak wilt to fresh cuts.

We found no county permit for cutting trees on a private lot. Shoreline lots may fall under Michigan's critical dune or high-risk erosion rules administered by EGLE, so ask before clearing a bluff.

Typical removals run $400-$1,200 in HomeGuide's survey before any bluff or barge access. Step 1: check the DNR burn map or plan chipping. Step 2: schedule oak work outside the April 15 to July 15 window. Step 3: ask EGLE about any dune or bluff lot. Step 4: compare two written quotes. Step 5: request an 811 locate ahead of any stump work.

Local conditions

Hilly moraine country: NRCS soil survey data for Charlevoix County (MI029) put 41.5% of mapped acres on grades of 8% or steeper and 24.8% at 15% or more, steepest in the hills around Boyne City and along the Jordan River valley in the south.

Wet pockets: NRCS data rate 17.5% of mapped acres as hydric, cedar and spruce swamps near Lake Charlevoix and the inland lakes where shallow roots let trees blow over.

Winter and wind: FEMA's declarations data list 3 federal major disaster declarations from storms and floods in the county, including a 2025 severe winter storm (the spring 2025 ice storm) and a June 2026 storm declaration.

Beech bark disease and ash borer have left many dead beech and ash standing in the maple woods, brittle and hazardous near cabins.

Sandy bluffs along Lake Michigan near Charlevoix and on Beaver Island erode in fall gales, and pines and hemlocks at the edge lean toward the water before they go.

What drives local prices

Big sugar maples run $600 to $1,200 each in HomeGuide's species table; pines $250 to $1,600.
HomeGuide's height bands put a 60- to 80-foot tree at $850 to $2,000.
Bluff, island or water-only access: figure an est. \1% to 60%.
Stump grinding adds $100 to $500 or more, per HomeGuide.
Method: national dollar ranges published by HomeGuide on Feb 4, 2026; the access add-on marked est. is ours. Checked October 20, 2026.

Common jobs

Removing dead beech and ash near cottages and lake homes.
Ice storm cleanup after the 2025 storm.
Bluff and lakefront trees taken down in sections.
Clearing for new seasonal homes on wooded lots.
Firewood-length cutting and stacking for cabin owners who want to keep the wood.
Taking down trees that shade solar panels or block a lake view, where township rules allow.

Service area

Requests come from Charlevoix, Boyne City, East Jordan, Boyne Falls, Walloon Lake, Ironton and Beaver Island. US 31 runs along the Lake Michigan shore through Charlevoix, US 131 crosses Boyne Falls, and M-66 and M-75 link East Jordan and Boyne City.

Great Lakes Energy and Consumers Energy serve most of the county.

Beaver Island jobs require ferry logistics; tell us the island address in the free form below.

Communities: Charlevoix, Boyne City, East Jordan, Boyne Falls, Walloon Lake, Ironton, Beaver Island

When something can’t wait

For trees on lines, call Great Lakes Energy or Consumers Energy and stay away. Emergency rates can run 2-3x normal per HomeGuide.

Questions about Charlevoix County

What do tree jobs cost around Charlevoix?

HomeGuide's 2026 national data put the usual single-tree job between $400 and $1,200; bluff and island work costs more.

Do I need a burn permit?

Yes, but it's free and online through the Michigan DNR burn map for Charlevoix County.

When should I avoid cutting oaks?

From April 15 to July 15, per the DNR, to avoid spreading oak wilt.

Is a permit needed for a lakefront tree?

There's no county tree permit, but dune and high-risk erosion areas fall under EGLE rules. Ask before clearing a bluff.

Sources

Related tree removal guides

Local fees and rules change. Confirm with the county or state office named above before you clear. For published price ranges, see land clearing cost per acre or follow the worked estimate. Estimate your clearing cost.