10 best tree removal companies in Chillicothe, Ohio

While healthy trees improve your home's curb appeal and give your yard welcome shade, unhealthy trees pose significant risks for your property. If a tree is decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture, it may be necessary to remove it. Tree removal is also important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. To ensure your hazardous tree gets removed safely, hire licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience.

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

Tree removal experts know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized tools to remove trees according to local regulations. By working with a reputable tree removal company in Chillicothe, you can be more confident that the job will get done safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Chillicothe

Look for tree removal companies in Chillicothe 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?

Consider removing a tree if you observe severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are encroaching on your house. The number of decayed trees in Chillicothe is relatively high compared to other parts of the country. It's wise to speak with a professional tree removal contractor if you observe any of these warning signs:

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

Leaning trees or trees with raised dirt around the tree trunk base are at a high risk of falling. Contact a tree removal expert as soon as possible to evaluate the extent of the damage and safely remove the tree if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes referred to as danger trees, have structural defects that cannot be fixed, increasing the chance of them falling. Falling trees can cause extensive property damage and severely harm people and pets. Signs of structural defects include rotten wood, dead branches, loose bark, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree in your yard, have it removed immediately.

What other tree services might you need?

Apart from cutting down trees, some tree removal companies offer a variety of additional services, such as these:

• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree branch by branch, they might use a wood chipper to shred the tree parts. Consider giving the tree a second life by using the chips as mulch for your garden.
• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of branches, logs and leaves to clear. A contractor can use flatbeds or dump trucks to remove debris faster.
• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain after a tree removal. 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 easily. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that the tree won't regrow.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can level holes left over from stump removal or plant a fresh tree where your old one stood.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Chillicothe

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

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 health 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, pruning and moving trees. Ohio 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, 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 workers compensation, general liability and business liability. This coverage can financially protect you if an accident happens. City and county governments often set their own tree removal licensing laws. A contractor in Chillicothe doesn't need a state license if tree removal is all they offer. We recommend checking with the Chillicothe building department and your county to ensure a prospective contractor complies with the requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

A tree risk assessment (TRA) can help you determine if removing a potentially dangerous tree is necessary. During the TRA, an arborist will assess 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 specific tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

Most tree removal companies provide complimentary consultations and estimates. Get estimates from multiple providers and compare rates to find the best value.

Read reviews from homeowners

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