10 best tree removal companies in Cornelius, 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 diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture. Tree removal is also essential for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Licensed professionals have the equipment and experience to remove a tree from your property safely.

It's crucial to remove diseased trees with higher fall risk, as well as trees impacting your home's foundation and structural integrity. The task, however, is extremely risky if done improperly. Attempting to do the job by yourself could lead to property damage or personal injury.

Tree removal contractors know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized machinery to remove trees according to local ordinances. By working with a reputable tree removal company in Cornelius, you can be more confident that the job will get done safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Cornelius

Look for tree removal companies in Cornelius 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 growing too close to your house. The number of decayed trees in Cornelius is below average compared to other parts of the country. It's wise to speak with a professional tree removal contractor if you spot any of these alerts:

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

If you notice raised dirt around the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is visibly starting to lean, it's at risk of falling. Contact a tree removal service immediately to assess the tree and safely remove it if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have irreparable structural defects that increase their risk of falling. A falling tree could seriously endanger vehicles, property, people and pets. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include loose bark, dead branches, large cracks, rotten wood and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree in your yard, have it removed 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 contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover logs, leaves and branches away from your home.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal professionals often use wood chippers to break down tree trunks and branches. If you'd like, you can use the chips as mulch to nourish your garden plants.
• Stump removal: After the team finishes removing your tree, only the stump will be left. You can choose to grind down the stump so what's left of the tree will 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.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals double as landscapers. When working with 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 Cornelius

Use these considerations to make the right tree removal company decision 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 health restoration services for your tree or removal if a tree has a high fall risk. Arborists can also offer valuable insights on planting, pruning and moving trees for optimal growth and well-being. North Carolina 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 three years of field experience and pass an exam to obtain the certification. ISA-certified arborists have the skills, experience and knowledge 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 business liability, workers compensation and general liability. This coverage safeguards you, your property and the company's employees if an accident occurs during the job. 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 Cornelius building department and your county to ensure a prospective contractor complies with the requirements.

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. After you call for a TRA, an arborist will assess your tree's fall risk and what damage could come from a fall. The arborist will first look at the tree from a distance to identify obvious signs of damage. They will then circle around the tree to inspect its roots, trunk and crown. Some arborists use particular equipment to study the tree's insides.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer a free consultation and services estimate. Get estimates from multiple companies to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask neighbors, friends and family for tree removal company referrals. Even with a referral from someone, 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.