10 best tree removal companies in Austin, Texas

Healthy trees add to your home's curb appeal and create a shady retreat in your yard. Unhealthy trees, however, can threaten your property. Removing a tree may be necessary if it is decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture. Tree removal is also important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Licensed tree removal professionals in Austin can use their equipment and experience to help you safely remove a tree from your property.

Removing diseased trees and other trees with high fall risk is critical for your property's safety. However, attempting to tackle the project yourself could result in serious injury and costly property damage.

Tree removal specialists have mastered the proper cutting techniques and use specialized tools to remove trees in accordance with local ordinances. Working with a reputable tree removal company in Austin gives you confidence that the job will be performed safely and to the highest standards.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Austin

Look for tree removal companies in Austin 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?

When a tree exhibits signs of severe damage or decay, or if its roots are encroaching on your home, removal is often the optimal decision. The number of decayed trees in Austin is average compared to other parts of the country. It's wise to get advice from a professional tree removal contractor if you notice any of these indicators:

The tree has damage from heavy rain or thunderstorms. The tree or its offshoots are dangerously close to your home or another structure on your property. The tree's branches or trunk are cracked and won't heal. The tree has pests, diseases or mold weakening its structure. The tree is dropping far more sap, seeds, leaves, needles or branches than usual. The tree is visibly dead or severely burned. The tree's roots are causing your home's foundation to lift or crack.

Leaning trees or trees with raised dirt surrounding the tree trunk base are at a high risk of falling. If you notice either of these signs, contact a professional tree removal team right away to evaluate the damage and remove the tree before it can cause further damage.

What is a hazard tree?

When a tree has irreparable structural defects that put it at significant risk of falling, it becomes a hazard tree, sometimes called a danger tree. A falling tree poses a significant risk to pets, vehicles, property and people. Signs of structural defects include dead branches, loose bark, rotten wood, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you believe your property has a hazard tree, have it removed immediately.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal companies offer a variety of services. In addition to removing trees, many companies offer the following:

• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will remain. You can grind the stump down so what's left of the tree can decompose. A more expensive option is to completely remove the stump, which guarantees the tree won't regrow.
• Debris removal: Debris like branches, logs and leaves is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal professionals can use wood chippers to shred tree trunks and branches. You can use the chips to improve plant growth.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that provides landscaping services, the team could help fill up holes or plant a new, healthy tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Austin

Find the right tree removal company for your job by considering these factors.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A tree removal company's staff arborist is the go-to expert to get your tree care questions answered. They'll tap into their extensive scientific training to assess your tree's specific requirements and provide the necessary treatments, including restoration or removal if the tree poses a falling hazard. Arborists are also a valuable resource for advice on planting, moving and pruning trees. Texas 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 remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company insured for workers compensation, general liability and business liability. A contractor's insurance policy serves as a safety net for you, your property and the company's team members in case something goes wrong while they work. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing regulations. Texas doesn't license these companies at the state level. We recommend contacting the Austin building department and your county to ensure a prospective contractor meets all requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you determine whether tree removal is the right step and highlights the benefits of removing a potentially hazardous tree. During the TRA, an arborist will evaluate a tree's likelihood of falling and the damage that could result. First, they'll inspect the tree from a distance, looking for obvious damage signs. Next, they'll inspect the crown, trunk and roots by walking around the tree. Some arborists use special tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free estimates and consultations. We recommend getting at least two estimates to compare recommendations and prices.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask for tree removal company referrals from trusted neighbors, friends and family. Even when you get a referral, take the time to read online reviews on Google Reviews, Yelp and BBB 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.