10 best tree removal companies in Gastonia, North Carolina

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

It's essential 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 contractors know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized equipment to remove trees according to local ordinances and permit requirements. By working with a reputable tree removal company in Gastonia, you can have more confidence that the job will get done safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Gastonia

Look for tree removal companies in Gastonia 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 has evidence 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 Gastonia is comparatively high compared to other parts of the country. Contact a tree removal expert if you notice any of the following signs:

The tree is dropping an unusual amount of seeds, sap, needles, leaves or branches. The tree is severely burned or visibly dead. The tree or its branches 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's roots are causing your home's foundation to lift or crack. The tree has mold, pests or diseases weakening its structure. The tree has damage from heavy rain or thunderstorms.

If you see raised dirt around the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is visibly starting to lean, it's in danger of falling. Contact a tree removal expert as soon as possible to assess the extent of the damage and take down the tree if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

When a tree has irreparable structural defects that put it at elevated risk of falling, it becomes a hazard tree, sometimes called a danger tree. Falling trees can pose a serious threat to vehicles, pets, property and people. Rotten wood, dead branches, large cracks, loose bark 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?

Some tree removal companies offer a variety of additional services beyond cutting down trees. These may include the following:

• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain following a tree removal. A professional might recommend completely removing the stump based on the circumstances. They may also grind the stump down so the tree's remnants decompose more easily. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that the tree won't grow back.
• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree branch by branch, they might use a wood chipper to further break the brush down. Consider giving the tree a second life by using the chips as mulch for your garden.
• Debris removal: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover leaves, branches and logs away from your home.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals double as landscapers. If you hire one of these companies, you could add a fresh tree or level the area where the stump was located.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Gastonia

Find the right tree removal company for your project by considering these factors.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

An arborist is a scientific expert who can study 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 transplanting, pruning and planting trees. North Carolina 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 obtain the certification. 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 has comprehensive insurance coverage, 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 requirements. North Carolina doesn't license these companies at the state level. We recommend contacting the Gastonia building department and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

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

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free estimates and consultations. We recommend getting multiple estimates to compare recommendations and prices.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask neighbors, family and friends for suggestions on reputable tree removal companies in your area. It's also wise to check online reviews on sites like BBB, Yelp and Google Reviews.

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.