10 best tree removal companies in Harrison, Michigan

Healthy trees add to your home's curb appeal and offer a shady retreat in your yard. Unhealthy trees, however, can jeopardize your property. Removing a tree may be necessary if it is diseased, decaying 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 tree removal professionals in Harrison can use their equipment and experience to help you safely remove a tree from your property.

It's important to get rid of diseased trees with higher fall risk, as well as trees impacting your home's foundation and structural integrity. The task, however, is extremely dangerous if done improperly. Attempting to do the job on your own could result in property damage or personal injury.

Tree removal specialists are well-versed in the proper cutting techniques and employ specialized machinery to remove trees following local regulations. By choosing a reputable tree removal company in Harrison, you can trust that the job will be completed safely and to a high standard.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Harrison

Look for tree removal companies in Harrison 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 have gotten too close to your home, removal is often the most advisable step. The number of decayed trees in Harrison is high compared to other small towns. Consider seeking advice from a tree removal expert if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes referred to as danger trees, have structural defects which are beyond repair, increasing the likelihood they will fall. A falling tree could damage or injure pets, people, vehicles and property. Signs of structural defects include loose bark, dead branches, large cracks, rotten wood and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it removed right away.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal companies offer a range of supplementary services beyond removing trees. These may include the following:

• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of logs, branches and leaves to clear. A contractor can use flatbeds or dump trucks to remove debris faster.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal specialists can use wood chippers to break down tree trunks and branches. You can use the chips to improve plant growth.
• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will be left. You can grind the stump down so it will more easily decompose. A more expensive option is to remove the stump altogether, which guarantees the tree won't regrow.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals provide landscaping services. If you hire one of these companies, you could add a fresh tree or fill the hole where the stump was located.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Harrison

To find the right tree removal company for your needs, consider these factors.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

Arborists are expert consultants 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 moving, planting and pruning trees to help them grow properly and last for years. Michigan does not require arborists to get 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 experience, knowledge and skills to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company with insurance covering general liability, workers compensation and business liability. A contractor's insurance policy is 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. Michigan doesn't license these companies at the state level. We recommend contacting Harrison officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor complies with the requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you determine whether tree removal is a good decision and can underscore the benefits of taking down a potentially hazardous tree. To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by looking for clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll walk around the tree, closely inspecting the crown, trunk and roots. 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 at least two estimates to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask for tree removal company referrals from trusted family, friends and neighbors. Even when you get a referral, take the time to read online reviews on Yelp, Google Reviews and BBB to get a well-rounded perspective before you hire.

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.