10 best tree removal companies in Charlotte, North Carolina

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 safely remove a tree from your property.

You should prioritize removing trees that are diseased, have a high fall risk, or which are damaging your foundation. However, attempting to do it yourself could lead to property damage or injury.

Tree removal specialists are trained in the proper cutting techniques and use specialized tools to remove trees according to local ordinances and permit requirements. When you work with a reputable tree removal company in Charlotte, you can trust that the job will be completed safely and to a high standard.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Charlotte

Look for tree removal companies in Charlotte 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?

You should trim or remove a tree if it’s displaying evidence of severe damage or decay, or if it’s encroaching on your home. The number of decayed trees in Charlotte is low compared to other parts of the country. get in touch with a tree removal expert if you see any of the following signs:

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

If you observe raised dirt around the base of the trunk, or if the tree is beginning to lean, it's in danger of falling. Contact a tree removal service immediately to assess the tree and help remove it if necessary.

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. Falling trees can cause extensive property damage and seriously injure people and pets. Signs of structural defects include dead branches, large cracks, rotten wood, loose bark and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree in your yard, get it taken down immediately.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal experts may offer a range of other services. Along with their main focus removing trees, some contractors can help with these other jobs:

• Wood chipping: Tree removal specialists can use wood chippers to break down tree trunks and branches. You can keep the chips and spread them in your gardens as mulch.
• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as branches, logs and leaves. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain once a tree removal job is complete. A professional might recommend completely removing the stump based on the circumstances. They may also grind the stump down so the tree's remnants decompose more quickly. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that the tree won't regrow.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals provide landscaping services. By choosing one of these companies, you could add a fresh tree or fill the hole where the stump was located.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Charlotte

To select the best tree removal company for your needs, think about these factors.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A licensed arborist can assess your tree's condition and offer suitable solutions, such as restoring its health or safely removing it to mitigate fall risk. Arborists also provide guidance on moving, planting and pruning trees. North Carolina 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 three years of field experience and pass an exam to earn certification. ISA-certified arborists have the experience, skills and knowledge to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company carrying insurance for general liability, workers compensation and business liability. A contractor's insurance policy is a safety net for you, your property and the company's team members in case something goes wrong while they work. City and county governments often set their own tree removal licensing requirements. No state license is required for contractors in North Carolina that only remove trees. We recommend checking with the Charlotte building department and your county to ensure a prospective contractor complies with the requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

To determine if removing a tree is necessary, get a professional tree risk assessment (TRA). To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by looking for clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll walk around the tree, closely inspecting the roots, crown and trunk. Sometimes, arborists use specialized gear to study the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free consultations and estimates. Get estimates from more than one company to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends and family for suggestions on nearby tree removal companies. Even with a referral from someone, it's still important to verify a company's reputation by reading reviews on sites like BBB, Google Reviews and Yelp.

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.