10 best tree removal companies in Clinton, Michigan

While healthy trees elevate your home's curb appeal and give your yard welcome shade, unhealthy trees create safety concerns for your property. If a tree is diseased, decaying 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, call on licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience.

Removing diseased trees and other trees with high fall risk is critical for your property's safety. However, attempting to tackle the project yourself could result in serious injury and expensive property damage.

When you hire a reputable tree removal company in Clinton, you'll have a skilled team to safely remove trees with specialized cutting equipment and techniques in accordance with local regulations.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Clinton

Look for tree removal companies in Clinton 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 Clinton is high compared to other parts of the country. get in touch with a tree removal expert if you notice any of the following signs:

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

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 professional 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 likelihood they will fall. A falling tree poses a significant risk to pets, vehicles, property and people. Signs of a structural defect include dead branches, loose bark, large cracks, rotten wood and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it taken down as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal companies offer a variety of services. In addition to removing trees, many companies offer the following:

• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as leaves, branches and logs. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• Stump removal: After the team finishes removing your tree, only the stump will remain. 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 professional can use a wood chipper to chip the trunk and branches after the tree has been removed. Afterward, you can add the chips and mulch to your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can level holes left over from stump removal or plant a new tree where your old one stood.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Clinton

Follow these steps to make the right tree removal company decision 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 moving, pruning and planting trees to help them grow properly and last for years. Michigan 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 earn certification. ISA-certified arborists have the skills, experience and knowledge to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, ensure it has comprehensive insurance coverage, including workers compensation, general liability and business liability. This coverage can financially protect you if an accident happens. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing laws. No state license is required for contractors in Michigan that only remove trees. We recommend checking with Clinton officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

By getting a tree risk assessment (TRA), you'll get a professional opinion on whether removing a tree is necessary. The assessment also outlines the risks of keeping a potentially hazardous tree. During the TRA, an arborist will evaluate a tree's likelihood of falling and the damage that could result. First, they'll visually evaluate the tree from a distance, looking for obvious damage signs. Next, they'll inspect the trunk, crown and roots by circumnavigating the tree. Some arborists use special tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

Most tree removal companies provide complimentary consultations and price quotes. Get estimates from at least two providers and compare rates to find the best value.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends and family for tree removal contractor suggestions. While a personal recommendation can be insightful, take time 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.