10 best tree removal companies in Decatur, Alabama

While healthy trees enhance your home's curb appeal and give your yard refreshing shade, unhealthy trees present potential hazards to 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.

You should prioritize removing trees that are diseased, have a high fall risk, or which are compromising your foundation. However, attempting to do it yourself could lead to injury or property damage.

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

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Decatur

Look for tree removal companies in Decatur 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?

You should trim or remove a tree if it’s showing signs of severe damage or decay, or if it’s growing too close to your home. The number of decayed trees in Decatur is average compared to other parts of the country. It's wise to get advice from a professional tree removal contractor if you notice any of these alerts:

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

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

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have irreparable structural defects that make them prone to falling. A falling tree could seriously endanger property, pets, vehicles and people. 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, get it removed right away.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal contractors may offer a range of other services. In addition to their main focus removing trees, some companies can help with these other jobs:

• Debris removal: Debris like leaves, branches and logs is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal contractors can use wood chippers to shred tree trunks and branches. You can keep the chips and use them as mulch to improve plant growth.
• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will be left. You can grind the stump down so it will more easily decompose. A more expensive option is to completely remove the stump, which guarantees the tree won't grow back.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals double as landscapers. By choosing one of these companies, you could install a replacement tree or fill the hole where the stump was located.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Decatur

Use these factors to select 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 right 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, moving and pruning trees. Alabama does not require arborists to get 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 earn certification. ISA-certified arborists have the experience, knowledge and skills to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company with insurance covering general liability, workers compensation and business liability. A contractor's insurance policy is a safety net for you, your property and the company's team members in case something goes wrong while they work. To become a licensed tree surgeon in the state of Alabama, individuals must obtain a Horticulture Professional Services License from the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries. Ensure that your tree removal service provider is properly licensed before hiring.

Request a tree risk assessment

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you decide whether tree removal is a good decision and can underscore the benefits of removing a potentially hazardous tree. After you request a TRA, an arborist will evaluate your tree's fall risk and what damage could come from a fall. The arborist will first visually assess the tree from a distance to search for obvious signs of damage. They will then walk around the tree to inspect its trunk, roots and crown. Some arborists use specific equipment to study the tree's insides.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal contractors offer free estimates and consultations. Obtain quotes from several providers to assess their prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask for tree removal company referrals from trusted friends, neighbors and family. Even if someone you trust refers you, 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.