10 best tree removal companies in Fort Hood, Texas

Healthy trees boost your home's curb appeal and give 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, you might need 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 who have the right equipment and experience to safely remove hazard trees from your property.

It's important to remove diseased trees, trees with high fall risk and trees that are damaging your foundation. However, doing this task yourself increases the potential for physical harm and property damage.

Tree removal specialists are trained in the proper cutting techniques and use specialized machinery to remove trees according to local regulations. When you work with a reputable tree removal company in Fort Hood, you can be assured that the job will be completed safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Fort Hood

Look for tree removal companies in Fort Hood 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?

When a tree exhibits signs of severe damage or decay, or if its roots are encroaching on your home, removal is often the best course of action. The number of decayed trees in Fort Hood is above average compared to other small towns. Consider contacting a tree removal specialist if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

Leaning trees and trees with elevated dirt surrounding their trunk bases are at higher risk of falling. If you notice either of these signs, contact a qualified tree removal expert right away to assess the damage and remove the tree before it can cause further damage.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have irreparable structural defects that make them prone to falling. A falling tree poses a significant risk to vehicles, property, people and pets. Signs of structural defects include dead branches, large cracks, loose bark, rotten wood and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, have it removed immediately.

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:

• Wood chipping: A tree removal professional can use a wood chipper to break down the trunk and branches once the tree is cut down. Afterward, you can add the chips and mulch to your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Stump removal: After cutting down a tree, only the stump is left. Depending on your budget and needs, a service professional can remove the stump altogether 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.
• 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.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals double as landscapers. If you hire one of these companies, you could install a replacement tree or level the area where the stump was located.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Fort Hood

To choose the right tree removal company for your needs, keep these factors in mind.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A tree removal company's staff arborist is the go-to expert to get your tree care questions answered. They'll tap into their extensive scientific training to evaluate your tree's health and provide the necessary treatments, including health restoration or removal if the tree poses a falling hazard. Arborists are also a valuable resource for advice on pruning, moving and planting trees. Texas doesn't have arborist licensing rules, 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

When hiring a tree removal company, make sure it carries comprehensive insurance, including business liability, workers compensation and general liability. This coverage protects 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 laws. A contractor in Fort Hood doesn't need a state license if tree removal is their only service. We recommend checking with Fort Hood building officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor meets all requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

By getting a tree risk assessment (TRA), you'll receive expert recommendations on whether removing a tree is essential. The assessment also outlines the risks of keeping a potentially hazardous tree. During a TRA appointment, an arborist will assess the chance the tree could fall and what damage could ensue. They'll begin by inspecting the tree from afar for clear damage indicators. Next, they'll circle the tree up close, inspecting its roots, crown and trunk. Some arborists use specialized equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends and family for tree removal contractor suggestions. While referrals from trusted sources can be insightful, take time to read online reviews on Yelp, Google Reviews and BBB before making your choice.

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.