10 best tree removal companies in Columbus, Ohio

Healthy trees contribute to your home's curb appeal and create a shady retreat in your yard. Unhealthy trees, however, can jeopardize your property. Tree removal may be necessary if it is decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture. Tree removal is also important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Licensed tree removal professionals in Columbus can use their equipment and experience to help you safely remove a tree from your property.

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

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

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?

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 Columbus is relatively low compared to other major metro areas. get in touch with a tree removal professional if you notice any of the following signs:

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

If you notice raised dirt close to the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is visibly starting to lean, it's at risk of falling. Contact a reputable tree removal company as soon as you can if you see either of these signs, and have the tree professionally evaluated.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have structural defects that cannot be fixed, increasing the chance of them falling. Falling trees can pose a significant threat to people, vehicles, pets and property. Rotten wood, loose bark, dead branches, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base are all indicators of structural defects. If you have a hazard tree on your property, don't wait to get it taken down as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

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

• Debris removal: Debris like logs, leaves and branches is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Stump removal: After cutting down a tree, only the stump remains. Depending on your budget and needs, a service professional can completely remove the stump or grind it down so what's left of it will decompose. Removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees the tree won't regrow.
• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree limb by limb, 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.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal companies provide landscaping services. These services might include filling the hole where the tree stump was or planting a new tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Columbus

Follow these steps to make the right tree removal company decision for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

An arborist is a scientific expert who can examine your tree's requirements and advise you on the appropriate care. This can include rejuvenating its health or taking it down if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for planting, transplanting and pruning 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 three years of field experience and pass an exam to obtain the certification. ISA-certified arborists have the knowledge, experience and skills to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Tree removal contractors should carry extensive insurance coverage, 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. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing regulations. Ohio doesn't license these companies at the state level. We recommend contacting Columbus building officials 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 the right step to take. During a TRA appointment, an arborist will assess the chance the tree could fall and what damage could result. They'll begin by inspecting the tree from afar for clear damage indicators. Next, they'll circle the tree up close, inspecting its trunk, crown and roots. Some arborists use specialized equipment to analyze 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 people you trust to recommend reputable tree removal companies. Even with a trusted referral, it's still important to research a company's reputation by reading reviews on sites like Google Reviews, BBB 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.