10 best tree removal companies in Homewood, Alabama

Healthy trees elevate your home's curb appeal and provide 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 Homewood can use their equipment and experience to help you safely remove a tree from your property.

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

Tree removal professionals know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized machinery to remove trees according to local ordinances. By working with a reputable tree removal company in Homewood, you can have more confidence that the job will get done safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Homewood

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

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

Leaning trees and trees with raised dirt around their trunk bases are much more likely to fall. Contact a trusted tree removal provider as soon as you can if you observe either of these signs, and have the tree professionally assessed.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, have irreparable structural defects making them more prone to fall. A falling tree poses a major risk to property, vehicles, people and pets. Signs of a structural defect include loose bark, dead branches, large cracks, rotten wood and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you believe your property has a hazard tree, get it removed as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal contractors provide a range of supplementary services beyond cutting down trees. These may include the following:

• Wood chipping: Tree removal specialists can use wood chippers to shred tree trunks and branches. You can keep the chips and use them as mulch to improve plant growth.
• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as logs, leaves and branches. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• 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: If you hire a tree removal company that offers landscaping services, the team could help fill leftover holes or plant a new, healthy tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Homewood

Think about these factors to find the best tree removal company for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

An arborist is a scientific specialist who can study your tree's requirements and advise you on the proper care. This can include revitalizing its health or removing it if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for pruning, transplanting and planting trees. Alabama doesn't have arborist licensing rules, 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, skills and knowledge 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 business liability, general liability and workers compensation. This coverage can financially protect you if an accident happens. To become a licensed tree surgeon in the state of Alabama, individuals must obtain a Horticulture Professional Services License from the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries. Ensure that your tree removal service provider is properly licensed before hiring.

Request a tree risk assessment

To determine if removing a tree is necessary, have a professional tree risk assessment (TRA). During a TRA appointment, an arborist will assess 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 circle the tree up close, inspecting its roots, crown and trunk. Some arborists use advanced equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free consultations and estimates. Get estimates from at least two companies to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask family, neighbors and friends for tree removal company referrals. Even with a referral from someone, it's still important to research a company's reputation by reading reviews on sites like Google Reviews, Yelp and BBB.

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.