10 best tree removal companies in Detroit, Michigan

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

It's crucial to get rid of diseased trees with higher fall risk, as well as trees impacting your home's foundation and structural integrity. The task, however, is extremely hazardous if done improperly. Attempting to do the job alone could result in property damage or personal injury.

Tree removal experts know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized tools to remove trees according to local ordinances. By working with a reputable tree removal company in Detroit, you can have more confidence that the job will get done safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Detroit

Look for tree removal companies in Detroit 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 see severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are encroaching on your house. The number of decayed trees in Detroit is marginally high compared to other major metro areas. If you see any of the following signs, contact a tree removal professional.

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

Leaning trees or trees with raised dirt encircling the tree trunk base are at a high risk of falling. Contact a tree removal professional as soon as possible to review the extent of the damage and safely remove the tree if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have irreparable structural defects that make them more likely to fall. A falling tree could damage or injure vehicles, people, 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 in your yard, have it removed right away.

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:

• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain after a tree removal. A professional might recommend removing the stump altogether based on the circumstances. They may also grind the stump down so the tree's remnants decompose more quickly. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that the tree won't grow back.
• Debris removal: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover leaves, branches and logs away from your home.
• Wood chipping: A tree removal specialist can use a wood chipper to chip the trunk and branches following the tree's removal. Afterward, you can spread the mulch in your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that offers landscaping services, the team could help fill leftover holes or plant a new, healthy tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Detroit

To select the best tree removal company for your needs, think about these factors.

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 pruning, moving and planting trees to help them grow properly and last for years. Michigan 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 at least three years of experience and pass an exam to obtain the certification. ISA-certified arborists have the experience, knowledge and skills to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Tree removal contractors should carry an extensive insurance policy, including workers compensation, business liability and general 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 laws. A contractor in Detroit doesn't need a state license if tree removal is the only service they offer. We recommend contacting Detroit 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 confirm if removing a potentially dangerous tree is the best decision. 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 roots, crown and trunk by circling around the tree. Some arborists use advanced tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free consultations and estimates. We recommend getting more than one estimate to compare recommendations and prices.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask for tree removal company referrals from trusted family, neighbors and friends. Even if someone you trust refers you, take the time to read online reviews on Google Reviews, BBB 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.