10 best tree removal companies in Franklin, Indiana

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 important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Licensed professionals have the 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 personal injury and damage to your home.

Tree removal experts understand the proper cutting techniques and employ specialized machinery to remove trees while adhering to local ordinances. Partnering with a reputable tree removal company in Franklin ensures that the job will be performed safely and to the highest standards.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Franklin

Look for tree removal companies in Franklin 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 Franklin is relatively low compared to other small towns. It's wise to contact a professional tree removal contractor if you observe any of these indicators:

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

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

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have irreparable structural defects that increase their risk of falling. Falling trees can pose a significant threat to vehicles, property, people and pets. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include large cracks, loose bark, rotten wood, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you believe your property has a hazard tree, have it removed immediately.

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 the following additional services:

• 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.
• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will remain. You can grind the stump down so what's left of the tree can decompose. A more expensive option is to completely remove the stump, which guarantees the tree won't regrow.
• Wood chipping: A tree removal expert 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.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that provides landscaping services, the team could help fill leftover holes or plant a new, healthy tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Franklin

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 expert who can analyze your tree's requirements and advise you on the proper care. This can include rejuvenating its health or removing it if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for planting, pruning and transplanting trees. Indiana 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 knowledge, skills and experience to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company carrying insurance for business liability, general liability and workers compensation. 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 requirements. A contractor in Franklin doesn't need a state license if tree removal is the only service they offer. We recommend checking with Franklin building officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor meets all requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

A tree risk assessment (TRA) can help you decide if removing a potentially dangerous tree is the right step to take. During a TRA appointment, an arborist will determine the chance the tree could fall and what damage could result. They'll begin by looking at the tree from afar for clear damage indicators. Next, they'll walk around the tree up close, inspecting its trunk, crown and roots. Some arborists use specialized equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends and family for tree removal contractor referrals. While a personal recommendation 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.