10 best tree removal companies in Charleston, South Carolina

Healthy trees contribute to your home's curb appeal and create a shady retreat in your yard. Unhealthy trees, however, can compromise your property. Tree removal may be necessary if it is decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture. Tree removal also helps mitigate the risk of wildfires in Charleston. Licensed tree removal professionals in Charleston 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 health. However, attempting to tackle the project yourself could lead to serious injury and expensive property damage.

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

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Charleston

Look for tree removal companies in Charleston 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 has evidence 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 Charleston is above average compared to other parts of the country. get in touch with a tree removal professional if you notice any of the following signs:

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

Leaning trees and trees with elevated dirt around their trunk bases are at higher risk of falling. Contact a reputable tree removal company as soon as you can if you observe either of these signs, and have the tree professionally assessed.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have irreparable structural defects that make them prone to falling. A falling tree could damage or injure people, vehicles, pets and property. Signs of a structural defect include rotten wood, dead branches, large cracks, loose bark and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you suspect your property has a hazard tree, schedule a tree removal service immediately.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal contractors may offer a range of other services. Besides their main focus removing trees, some contractors can help with the following additional services:

• Wood chipping: Tree removal teams often use wood chippers to chip tree trunks and branches. If you choose, you can use the chips as mulch to improve your other plants' growth.
• Debris removal: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover logs, branches and leaves away from your home.
• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain once a tree removal job is complete. 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.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal services also offer landscaping services. This could include filling the hole where the tree stump was or planting a new tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Charleston

Use these factors to find the best tree removal company for your needs.

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 planting, moving and pruning trees to help them grow properly and last for years. South 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 knowledge, experience and skills to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, ensure it has comprehensive insurance coverage, including business liability, general liability and workers compensation. This coverage safeguards you, your property and the company's employees if an accident occurs during the job. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing regulations. A contractor in Charleston doesn't need a state license if tree removal is the only service they offer. We recommend checking with the Charleston building department and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

A tree risk assessment (TRA) can help you decide if removing a potentially dangerous tree is necessary. To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by identifying clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll circle around the tree, closely inspecting the roots, trunk and crown. Sometimes, arborists use advanced gear to evaluate the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal contractors provide 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 know for tree removal contractor suggestions. While a personal recommendation can be helpful, it's important to read online reviews on Yelp, BBB and Google Reviews 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.