Arbor Grove Tree Care
For Zachary Froster, owner of Arbor Grove Tree Care, it isn’t just a business — it’s a lifelong passion rooted in family tradition. Growing up in West Michigan, Zachary was introduced to the industry at an early age through his father, owner of Tom's Tree Service in Muskegon. “I was raised around tree care,” Zachary shares. “My dad has been in this industry for 45 years, and I started working with him when I was about 12. It taught me the value of hard work and doing the job the right way.”
In 2023, Zachary launched Arbor Grove Tree Care, bringing his experience and dedication to the Spring Lake community. That same year, he became a certified arborist, a milestone that reflects his commitment to professionalism and continued education. He has since earned additional qualifications in Tree Risk Assessment and Oak Wilt identification and management.
“The biggest difference with a certified arborist comes down to knowledge and professionalism,” Zachary explains. “Those are two things every client should value. We’re required to continue learning to maintain certification, so homeowners can feel confident they’re getting informed, up-to-date guidance.”
As spring approaches in Spring Lake, Zachary encourages residents to take a proactive look at their trees. Michigan winters can leave behind structural damage that isn’t always obvious at first glance. “Walk around your property and really look at your trees,” he advises. “Are there broken or hanging branches? Do you see cracks in the trunk? Has a tree with two main stems started separating more? Those can all be potential hazards caused by winter weather.”
Spring leaf-out also provides important insight into a tree’s overall health. “If your tree seems slow to leaf out, or you’re noticing fewer leaves than usual, that can signal stress that started before dormancy,” Zachary says. “Catching those issues early gives us more options to protect the tree long term.”
Oak trees, in particular, require careful attention this time of year. Proper pruning timing is essential to reduce the risk of Oak Wilt, a serious disease that can spread quickly. “Spring is a great time to prune oaks while we still can,” Zachary notes. “Being proactive now can prevent much larger problems later.”
To help local homeowners prepare for the growing season, Arbor Grove Tree Care is offering 15% off all services — from tree removal and pruning to planting — through the beginning of April. The seasonal promotion provides an opportunity for residents to address safety concerns, improve tree structure, and invest in the health of their landscape.
For Zachary, serving Spring Lake goes beyond maintaining trees. “This community is special,” he says. “My goal is to help homeowners protect their properties and preserve the natural beauty that makes West Michigan such a great place to live.”