10 best tree removal companies in Columbus, Indiana

Healthy trees enhance your home's curb appeal and give welcome shade to your yard. However, unhealthy trees can pose serious risks to 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. Turn to licensed professionals who have the right equipment and experience to safely remove hazard trees from your property.

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

Tree removal professionals have expertise in the proper cutting techniques and use specialized tools to remove trees in compliance with local ordinances and permit requirements. By choosing a reputable tree removal company in Columbus, you can be assured that the job will be completed safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Columbus

Look for tree removal companies in Columbus 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 shows signs of severe damage or decay, or if its roots are encroaching on your home, removal is often the best course of action. The number of decayed trees in Columbus is 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 has diseases, pests or mold weakening its structure. The tree is visibly dead or severely burned. The tree's branches or trunk are cracked and won't heal. The tree's roots are making your home's foundation lift or crack. The tree or its branches are dangerously close to your home or another structure on your property. The tree has damage from heavy rain or thunderstorms. The tree is dropping an unusual amount of branches, needles, seeds, leaves or sap.

If you see raised dirt around the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is visibly beginning to lean, it's in danger of falling. Contact a tree removal contractor as soon as possible to assess the extent of the damage and take down the tree if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have structural defects that cannot be fixed, increasing the likelihood of them falling. Falling trees can cause extensive property damage and seriously injure people and pets. Signs of structural defects include loose bark, large cracks, dead branches, rotten wood and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you think your property has a hazard tree, have it removed as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

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

• 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 so the tree's remnants decompose more easily. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that the tree won't regrow.
• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree limb by limb, they might use a wood chipper to further break the brush down. Consider giving the tree a second life by using the chips as mulch for your garden.
• Debris removal: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover branches, leaves and logs away from your home.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal providers also offer landscaping services. This could 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 Columbus

Consider these factors to find the right tree removal company for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

Arborists are scientific experts 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 pruning, planting and moving trees for optimal growth and well-being. Indiana does not require arborists to hold a license, 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

Tree removal providers should carry an extensive insurance policy, including workers compensation, general liability and business liability. These policies help protect you, your property and the company’s workers in the event of an accident. City and county governments often set their own tree removal licensing laws. A contractor in Columbus doesn't need a state license if tree removal is the only service they offer. We recommend checking with the Columbus building department and your county to ensure a prospective contractor meets all 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 evaluate 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 circling around the tree. Some arborists use specific tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free estimates and consultations. Get estimates from multiple companies to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends and family to recommend reputable tree removal companies. Even with a personal recommendation it's, it's still important to verify a company's reputation by reading reviews on sites like Yelp, BBB 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.