10 best tree removal companies in Augusta, Georgia

While healthy trees improve your home's curb appeal and give your yard refreshing shade, unhealthy trees present potential hazards to your property. If a tree is decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture, you may need to remove it. Tree removal is also important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. To ensure your hazardous tree gets removed safely, turn to licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience.

You should remove trees that are diseased, have a high fall risk, or which are damaging your foundation. However, trying to do it yourself could result in injury or property damage.

Tree removal contractors know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized machinery to remove trees according to local ordinances. By working with a reputable tree removal company in Augusta, you can have more confidence that the job will get done safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Augusta

Look for tree removal companies in Augusta with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB). Use the filters below to help you find the right company for your needs.

How do you know a tree needs to be removed?

If a tree on your property shows indications of severe damage or decay, or if it's growing too close to your house, you may need to have it removed. The number of decayed trees in Augusta is really high compared to other American cities. Consider getting an estimate from a tree removal specialist if any of the following apply to your tree:

The tree has damage from heavy rain or thunderstorms. The tree's roots are making your home's foundation crack or lift. The tree is visibly dead or severely burned. The tree or its offshoots are too close to your home, garage or shed. The tree's trunk or branches are cracked and won't heal. The tree has mold, diseases or pests weakening its structure. The tree is dropping an unusual amount of sap, leaves, needles, branches or seeds.

Trees that are leaning or have raised dirt encircling the tree trunk base are more likely to fall. Contact a reliable contractor as soon as you can if you notice either of these signs, and have the tree professionally assessed.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, have irreparable structural defects making them more prone to fall. A falling tree poses a significant risk to people, vehicles, pets and property. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include large cracks, dead branches, rotten wood, loose bark and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, have it removed as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal contractors offer a variety of additional services in addition to removing trees. These may include the following:

• Debris removal: Debris like leaves, branches and logs is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain following a tree removal. A professional might recommend removing the stump altogether based on the circumstances. They may also grind the stump so the tree's remnants decompose more quickly. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that the tree won't grow back.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal specialists can use wood chippers to break down tree trunks and branches. You can use the chips to improve plant growth.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal providers also offer landscaping services. These services might include leveling and repurposing the area where the tree stump was or planting a new tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Augusta

Find the right tree removal company for your project based on these factors.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

Arborists are scientific experts that help you care for your trees. They may recommend health restoration services for your tree or removal if a tree has a high fall risk. Arborists can also offer valuable insights on pruning, planting and moving trees for optimal growth and well-being. Georgia doesn't have arborist licensing rules, so we recommend looking for an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Arborists must have at least three years of experience and pass an exam to get certified. ISA-certified arborists have the knowledge, experience and skills to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, make sure it has comprehensive insurance coverage, including workers compensation, business liability and general liability. This coverage can financially protect you if an accident happens. City and county governments often set their own tree removal licensing requirements. Georgia doesn't license these companies at the state level. We recommend checking with the Augusta government and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you decide whether tree removal is the right step and can underscore the benefits of taking down a potentially hazardous tree. After you ask for a TRA, an arborist will assess your tree's fall risk and what damage could result from a fall. The arborist will first examine the tree from a distance to search for obvious signs of damage. They will then walk around the tree to inspect its crown, roots and trunk. Some arborists use particular equipment to study the tree's insides.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free consultations and estimates. Get estimates from multiple companies to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask for tree removal company referrals from trusted friends, neighbors and family. Even if someone you trust refers you, take the time to read online reviews on BBB, Google Reviews and Yelp to get a well-rounded perspective before you hire.

Our methodology for selecting tree removal companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.