Meet Zachary Froster, Owner

My name is Zachary Froster, and I’m the owner and operator of Arbor Grove Tree Care, LLC, based in Muskegon, MI. At Arbor Grove, we provide tree care services that meet the ANSI A300 standards — the industry’s benchmark for tree work — backed by ongoing certification and field experience.

A Little About My Background

I was born and raised around tree work. My father has owned Muskegon’s Tom’s Tree Service since 1981, and I was on job sites by the time I was 12. Over fifteen years working alongside him, I learned every part of this trade — groundsman, bucket operator, crane operator, machine operator, and climber.

Three years ago, I decided I wanted to provide my clients with more than skilled labor. I wanted the technical knowledge to back it up — to be able to walk a property and explain what I was actually seeing in a tree. I started studying for the ISA Certified Arborist exam, and in December 2023, I passed.

Since then, I’ve added two more credentials that take my work further: ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ), and Michigan Oak Wilt Qualified, which is administered by the ISA Michigan Oak Wilt Coalition specifically for managing oak wilt under Michigan conditions.

What I Do Differently

A big part of what I do isn’t just cutting or removing trees — it’s helping people understand them. Most homeowners don’t realize how much trees do for their property and the environment, or what’s actually happening when something starts to decline. I take the time to explain what I’m seeing, whether it’s risk, disease, or long-term health.

When I’m on a job, I treat your property better than my own. That means thorough cleanup, clear communication, and making sure the job is done right the first time — no shortcuts.

My Credentials

• ISA Certified Arborist — MI-4771A
• ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ)
• Michigan Oak Wilt Qualified Specialist — MI-151
• Fully insured — general liability + workers’ compensation

“These letters take real work to earn — and ongoing work to keep. Becoming an ISA Certified Arborist requires three years of documented field experience and passing a comprehensive exam covering tree biology, diagnosis, pruning, safety, and risk. The certification is maintained through 30 hours of continuing education every three years — letting it lapse means starting over.

Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ) is only available to arborists who already hold ISA certification. It requires a three-day course followed by a written exam and a live, outdoor field assessment on a real tree. The qualification expires every seven years, with full retesting required to renew. Michigan Oak Wilt Qualified — issued through the ISA Michigan Oak Wilt Coalition — adds another classroom course and exam specifically on identifying oak wilt, root-graft trenching, fungicide injection, and infected-wood disposal under Michigan law. Every job I step onto is backed by all three.”

Outside of Work

When I’m not on a job, I’m with my family — my girlfriend and our three boys — usually somewhere outdoors or traveling when we can.

Direct Line

If you’re dealing with a tree you’re unsure about, call or text me at (231) 340-2777. I’ll come take a look and walk you through it. We’re fully insured, all of our workers are covered under workers’ compensation, and I look forward to serving the people of greater Muskegon and West Michigan.