How to Safely Clean Up Your Yard After Northern Michigan’s Ice Storm (And the Best Equipment to Rent!)

Earlier this month, Northern Michigan was hit hard by a major ice storm, causing broken branches, fallen trees, and serious debris across yards and driveways. While the worst of the weather has passed, many homeowners are still facing the big task of cleaning up safely and efficiently.

Read on to learn how to get the job done right — and safely — with the right equipment rentals for each stage of your cleanup.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Prioritize Safety First

• Check for Hazards: Look up and around before starting. Hanging branches ("widow-makers") or leaning trees could fall at any time.

• Watch for Power Lines: If any trees are tangled in wires, stop immediately and call your utility company.

• Wear Protective Gear: Gloves, hard hats, safety glasses, and boots are a must when dealing with storm debris.

  
  

2. The Best Equipment to Tackle Storm Cleanup

Depending on the extent of your yard damage, here are the tools we recommend.

Chainsaws

Great for: Cutting fallen branches and small trees into manageable pieces.

Tip: Even small branches can be under tension and snap dangerously — use caution! Always cut at waist height or lower, and never cut above your head.

Brush Chippers

Great for: Quickly turning piles of branches and limbs into mulch.

Tip: Feeding branches into a chipper is much faster (and safer) than burning or hauling limbs away manually.

✅ Available at AAA Services Plus: We rent out powerful brush chippers perfect for residential storm cleanup. Machines available in 7" or 12" branch capacity.

Skid Steers and Mini Loaders

Great for: Moving large logs, heavy debris piles, and loading trailers.

Tip: Skid steers save your back and time! They're ideal for when branches, stumps, or tree sections are just too heavy to lift safely by hand.

✅ Available at AAA Services Plus: We rent skid steers and mini loaders with easy-to-use attachments like grapple buckets for storm debris.

Dump Trailers

Great for: Hauling away all the debris once it's cut, chipped, or piled.

Tip: Save yourself dozens of trips to the landfill! Load it all once and go.

✅ Available at AAA Services Plus: Rent dump trailers that are driveway-friendly and simple to tow with a pickup.

Manlifts (Articulating Boom Lifts)

Great for: Reaching and trimming broken branches that are still hanging in trees.

Tip: Never climb storm-damaged trees with a ladder — a manlift provides a safer, stable platform to work from.

✅ Available at AAA Services Plus: We rent articulating manlifts for jobs that are high up and hard to reach.

3. Work Smart, Not Hard

• Start Small: Remove loose debris first, then tackle larger limbs and trees.

• Cut Branches in Sections: Don’t try to move an entire limb at once — cut it into manageable pieces.

• Team Up: It's safer (and more fun) to work with a friend or family member.

Ready to Tackle Your Storm Cleanup?

AAA Services Plus has everything you need to clean up safely, efficiently, and affordably. Whether you need a manlift for a few hours or a full-size skid steer for the weekend, we’ve got you covered.

➡️ Call us today to reserve your equipment — and let’s get Northern Michigan cleaned up and beautiful again!