10 best tree removal companies in Carmel, Indiana

Healthy trees can increase your home's curb appeal and bring shade to your yard, but unhealthy trees pose risks to your property. You may need to remove a tree if it's decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture. Tree removal is also crucial for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Licensed professionals have the proper equipment and experience to remove a tree from your property safely.

It's essential to remove diseased trees, trees with high fall risk and trees that are damaging your foundation. However, doing this task yourself increases the potential for physical harm and property damage.

Tree removal professionals are knowledgeable about the proper cutting techniques and use specialized tools to remove trees while adhering to local ordinances. Partnering with a reputable tree removal company in Carmel gives you confidence that the job will be executed safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Carmel

Look for tree removal companies in Carmel 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 Carmel is relatively high compared to other American cities. Contact a tree removal expert if you notice any of the following signs:

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

If you notice raised dirt around the tree trunk's base, or if the tree is visibly starting to lean, it's at risk of falling. If you notice either of these signs, contact a qualified tree removal expert right away to assess the damage and remove the tree before it causes harm.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have irreparable structural defects that make them prone to falling. A falling tree poses a substantial risk to vehicles, property, people and pets. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include loose bark, rotten wood, large cracks, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree in your yard, remove it as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal companies provide a variety of additional services apart from cutting down trees. These may include the following:

• Stump removal: After the team finishes removing your tree, only the stump will be left. You can choose to grind down the stump so it will more easily decompose. A contractor can also remove the stump altogether in some cases. While this is more expensive than grinding, it guarantees the tree won't regrow.
• Wood chipping: A tree removal specialist can use a wood chipper to break down the trunk and branches once the tree is cut down. Afterward, you can add the chips and mulch to your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as branches, leaves and logs. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal providers provide 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 Carmel

To find the right tree removal company for your needs, think about these factors.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

Arborists are expert consultants that help you care for your trees. They may recommend restoring the tree's health or removal if a tree has a high fall risk. Arborists can also offer valuable insights on pruning, planting and moving trees to help them grow properly and last for years. Indiana does not require arborists to be licensed, 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 skills, experience and knowledge to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, make sure it has comprehensive insurance, including general liability, business liability and workers compensation. This coverage safeguards you, your property and the company's employees if an accident occurs during the job. City and county governments often set their own tree removal licensing requirements. A contractor in Carmel doesn't need a state license if tree removal is the only service they offer. We recommend checking with Carmel officials 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 a good decision and highlights the benefits of removing a potentially hazardous tree. To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by identifying clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll walk around the tree, closely inspecting the crown, trunk and roots. Sometimes, arborists use advanced gear to evaluate the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free estimates and consultations. We recommend getting more than one estimate to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends and family for tree removal company referrals. While referrals from trusted sources can be helpful, it's important to read online reviews on Yelp, Google Reviews and BBB before making your choice.

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.