6 best tree removal companies in Florence, South Carolina

Healthy trees elevate your home's curb appeal and bring welcome shade to your yard. However, unhealthy trees can present significant dangers 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. Entrust the job to licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience to safely remove hazard trees from your property.

Removing diseased trees and other trees with high fall risk is important for your property's health. However, attempting to tackle the project yourself could lead to serious injury and expensive property damage.

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

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Florence

Look for tree removal companies in Florence 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 shows indications 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 Florence is really high compared to other parts of the country. Consider getting an estimate from a tree removal professional if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

If you see raised dirt close to the tree trunk's base, or if the tree is visibly starting to lean, it's at a high risk of falling. If you see either of these signs, contact a professional tree removal team right away to evaluate the damage and remove the tree before it causes harm.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, have irreparable structural defects making them more prone to fall. Falling trees can pose a serious threat to property, vehicles, people and pets. Signs of a structural defect include rotten wood, dead branches, loose bark, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, don't wait to have it removed as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal companies provide a range of extra services beyond cutting down trees. These may include the following:

• Wood chipping: Tree removal contractors can use wood chippers to break down tree trunks and branches. You can use the chips to improve plant growth.
• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as leaves, branches and logs. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• 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 remove the stump altogether, which guarantees the tree won't grow back.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that provides landscaping services, the team could help fill leftover holes or add a healthy tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Florence

Use these considerations to make the most informed tree removal company decision for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

An arborist is a scientific professional who can study your tree's needs and advise you on the correct care. This can include revitalizing its health or removing it if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for planting, transplanting and pruning trees. South 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, knowledge and experience to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company carrying insurance for business liability, workers compensation and general liability. A contractor's insurance policy acts as a safety net for you, your property and the company's team members in case something goes wrong while they work. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing regulations. South Carolina doesn't license these companies at the state level. We recommend contacting Florence building officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

To determine if removing a tree is necessary, get a professional tree risk assessment (TRA). To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by identifying clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll circle around the tree, closely inspecting the roots, crown and trunk. Sometimes, arborists use specialized gear to study the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Most tree removal companies provide complimentary consultations and estimates. Get quotes from multiple providers and compare rates to find the best value.

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 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.