10 best tree removal companies in Hoover, Alabama

While healthy trees enhance your home's curb appeal and give your yard refreshing shade, unhealthy trees create safety concerns for your property. If a tree is decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture, you may need to remove it. Tree removal is also important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. To ensure your hazardous tree gets removed safely, hire licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience.

It's essential to remove diseased trees, trees with high fall risk and trees that are damaging your foundation. However, performing 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. By working with a reputable tree removal company in Hoover, you can have more confidence that the job will get done safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Hoover

Look for tree removal companies in Hoover 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 shows indications 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 Hoover is average compared to other parts of the country. It's wise to contact a professional tree removal contractor if you observe any of these alerts:

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

Leaning trees and trees with elevated dirt surrounding their trunk bases are much more likely to fall. Contact a tree removal service immediately to assess the tree and help remove it if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have structural defects which are beyond repair, increasing the chance of them falling. Falling trees can cause significant property damage and seriously injure people and pets. Rotten wood, large cracks, dead branches, loose bark and hollow cavities near the tree base are all indicators of structural defects. If you have a hazard tree on your property, don't wait to remove it as soon as possible.

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: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as leaves, branches and logs. 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 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 grow back.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal contractors can use wood chippers to break down tree trunks and branches. You can use the chips as mulch for your flower beds.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that provides landscaping services, the team could help level holes or plant a new, healthy tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Hoover

Find the right tree removal company for your project based on 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 moving, pruning and planting trees to help them grow properly and last for years. Alabama does not require arborists to be licensed, 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 help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company carrying insurance for workers compensation, business liability and general liability. 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. 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

By getting a tree risk assessment (TRA), you'll receive expert recommendations on whether removing a tree is required. The assessment also outlines the risks of keeping 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 circle the tree up close, inspecting its trunk, roots and crown. Some arborists use specialized equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Most tree removal companies provide complimentary estimates and consultations. Get estimates from multiple providers and compare rates to find the best value.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask for tree removal company referrals from trusted friends, family and neighbors. Even if someone you trust refers you, take the time to read online reviews on Google Reviews, Yelp 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.