10 best tree removal companies in Frankfort, Kentucky

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 crucial for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Licensed professionals have the proper equipment and experience to safely remove a tree from your property.

It's essential to remove diseased trees, trees with high fall risk and trees that are damaging your foundation. However, undertaking this task yourself increases the potential for injury and damage to your home.

Tree removal experts have mastered the proper cutting techniques and employ specialized tools to remove trees in accordance with local ordinances. Working with a reputable tree removal company in Frankfort guarantees that the job will be completed safely and to the highest standards.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Frankfort

Look for tree removal companies in Frankfort 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 shows 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 Frankfort is noticeably high compared to other parts of the country. Seek advice from a tree removal expert if you see any of the following signs:

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

If you notice raised dirt around the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is visibly beginning to lean, it's at a high risk of falling. Contact a tree removal contractor immediately to examine the tree and help remove it if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

When a tree has irreparable structural defects that put it at high risk of falling, it becomes a hazard tree, sometimes called a danger tree. Falling trees can pose a considerable threat to property, pets, vehicles and people. Signs of a structural defect include loose bark, rotten wood, large cracks, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it removed as soon as you can.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal contractors provide an assortment of supplementary services in addition to cutting down trees. These may include the following:

• Wood chipping: Tree removal contractors can use wood chippers to shred tree trunks and branches. You can use the chips as mulch for your flower beds.
• Stump removal: After the team finishes removing your tree, only the stump will be left. You can choose to grind down the stump so the tree's remains will decompose. A contractor can also completely remove the stump in some cases. While this is more expensive than grinding, it guarantees the tree won't grow back.
• 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.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal services also offer landscaping services. This could include leveling and repurposing the area where the tree stump was or planting a new tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Frankfort

Use these factors to find the right tree removal company for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A licensed arborist can assess your tree's condition and offer suitable solutions, such as restoring its health or safely removing it to mitigate fall risk. Arborists also offer guidance on planting, moving and pruning trees. Kentucky 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 at least three years of experience and pass an exam to get certified. ISA-certified arborists have the knowledge, experience and skills 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 workers compensation, business liability and general liability. This coverage can financially protect you if an accident happens. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing requirements. A contractor in Frankfort doesn't need a state license if tree removal is all they offer. We recommend contacting the Frankfort government and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you determine whether tree removal is the right step and can underscore the benefits of removing a potentially hazardous tree. To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by searching for clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll circle around the tree, closely inspecting the roots, trunk and crown. Sometimes, arborists use advanced gear to evaluate the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Most tree removal companies provide complimentary estimates and consultations. Collect quotes from at least two providers and compare rates to find the best value.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends and family for tree removal contractor recommendations. While a personal recommendation can be insightful, take time to read online reviews on Google Reviews, Yelp 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.