10 best tree removal companies in Greenville, North Carolina

Healthy trees improve 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, 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. Turn to licensed professionals who have the right equipment and experience to safely remove hazard trees from your property.

It's crucial to remove diseased trees with higher fall risk, as well as trees impacting your home's foundation and structural integrity. The task, however, is extremely hazardous if done improperly. Trying to do the job on your own could lead to property damage or personal injury.

Tree removal professionals know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized tools to remove trees according to local regulations. By working with a reputable tree removal company in Greenville, you can be more confident that the job will get done safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Greenville

Look for tree removal companies in Greenville 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?

Consider removing a tree if you observe severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are encroaching on your house. The number of decayed trees in Greenville is high compared to other American cities. It's wise to speak with a professional tree removal contractor if you spot any of these indicators:

The tree is dropping far more sap, leaves, seeds, needles or branches 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's roots are causing your home's foundation to crack or lift. The tree is visibly dead or severely burned. The tree has pests, mold or diseases weakening its structure. The tree or its offshoots are too close to your home or another structure on your property.

If you notice raised dirt around the base of the trunk, or if the tree is beginning 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?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have irreparable structural defects that increase their risk of falling. Falling trees can cause significant property damage and gravely hurt people and pets. Signs of a structural defect include large cracks, dead branches, rotten wood, loose bark and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, remove it right away.

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:

• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of logs, leaves and branches to get off your property. A contractor can use flatbeds or dump trucks to remove debris faster.
• 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.
• Stump removal: After cutting down a tree, only the stump remains. Based on your budget and needs, a service professional can completely remove the stump 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.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can help you fill holes left over from stump removal or plant a healthy tree where your old one stood.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Greenville

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

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

Arborists are scientific experts that help you care for your trees. They may recommend health restoration services for your tree or removal if a tree has a high fall risk. Arborists can also offer valuable insights on planting, moving and pruning trees for optimal growth and well-being. North 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 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, ensure it carries comprehensive insurance, including workers compensation, business liability and general liability. This coverage safeguards 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. A contractor in Greenville doesn't need a state license if tree removal is all they offer. We recommend checking with Greenville building officials 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 best course of action and highlights the benefits of removing a potentially hazardous tree. During a TRA appointment, an arborist will determine the chance the tree could fall and what damage could result. They'll begin by visually examining the tree from afar for clear damage indicators. Next, they'll walk around the tree up close, inspecting its crown, trunk and roots. Some arborists use specialized equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free estimates and consultations. Get estimates from more than one company to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask people you know for tree removal contractor suggestions. While a personal recommendation can be valuable, it's still wise 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.