10 best tree removal companies in Cary, North Carolina

Healthy trees contribute to your home's curb appeal and provide a shady retreat in your yard. Unhealthy trees, however, can jeopardize your property. Removing a tree may be necessary if it is diseased, decaying 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 Cary 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 vital for your property's safety. However, trying 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 machinery to remove trees following local ordinances and permit requirements. Working with a reputable tree removal company in Cary gives you confidence that the job will be executed safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Cary

Look for tree removal companies in Cary 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 have gotten too close to your home, removal is often the best course of action. The number of decayed trees in Cary is somewhat high compared to other parts of the country. It's wise to get advice from a professional tree removal contractor if you spot any of these indicators:

The tree has diseases, mold or pests weakening its structure. The tree is severely burned or visibly dead. The tree's roots are causing your home's foundation to lift or crack. The tree has damage from heavy rain or thunderstorms. The tree is dropping an unusual amount of leaves, sap, needles, branches or seeds. 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.

Leaning trees and trees with raised dirt surrounding their trunk bases are much more likely to fall. Contact a tree removal professional immediately to evaluate the tree and help remove it if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

When a tree has irreparable structural defects that put it at high risk of falling, it becomes a hazard tree, sometimes called a danger tree. A falling tree poses a major risk to property, people, vehicles and pets. Rotten wood, loose bark, large cracks, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base are all indicators of structural defects. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it removed as soon as you can.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal companies offer a variety of supplementary services beyond removing trees. These may include the following:

• Debris removal: Debris like leaves, logs and branches is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Stump removal: After cutting down a tree, only the stump remains. Depending on your budget and needs, a service professional can completely remove the stump or grind it down so what's left of it will decompose. Removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees the tree won't regrow.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal professionals 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 companies 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 Cary

Find the right tree removal company for your job using these considerations.

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 health restoration or removal if the tree poses a falling hazard. Arborists are also a valuable resource for advice on planting, moving and pruning trees. North Carolina 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 obtain the certification. ISA-certified arborists have the skills, knowledge and experience to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, make sure it carries comprehensive insurance coverage, including business liability, general liability and workers compensation. This coverage protects 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 regulations. North Carolina doesn't license these companies at the state level. We recommend contacting the Cary government and your county to ensure a prospective contractor complies with the requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

By getting a tree risk assessment (TRA), you'll get a professional opinion on whether removing a tree is required. The assessment also presents the risks of keeping a potentially hazardous tree. To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by looking for clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll circle around the tree, closely inspecting the crown, roots and trunk. Sometimes, arborists use advanced gear to evaluate the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal contractors offer free consultations and service estimates. Obtain quotes from at least two providers to assess their prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask people you trust for tree removal company referrals. Even with a trusted referral, it's still important to research a company's reputation by reading reviews on sites like BBB, Yelp and Google Reviews.

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.