10 best tree removal companies in Houma, Louisiana

Healthy trees enhance your home's curb appeal and bring 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 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 hazardous if done improperly. Attempting to do the job by yourself could result in property damage or personal injury.

Tree removal specialists are knowledgeable about the proper cutting techniques and utilize specialized tools to remove trees following local ordinances and permit requirements. Working with a reputable tree removal company in Houma guarantees that the job will be performed safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Houma

Look for tree removal companies in Houma 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 encroaching on your home. The number of decayed trees in Houma is average compared to other small towns. If you observe any of the following warning signs, consider hiring a tree removal specialist.

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

If you see raised dirt near the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is visibly beginning to lean, it's at a high risk of falling. If you notice either of these signs, contact a professional tree removal team right away to assess the damage and remove the tree before it causes harm.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, contain structural defects beyond repair, making them more prone to fall. Falling trees can pose a serious threat to vehicles, property, pets and people. Signs of a structural defect include dead branches, loose bark, rotten wood, large cracks 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?

Tree removal contractors may offer a range of other services. Besides their main focus removing trees, some contractors can help with these other jobs:

• Stump removal: After cutting down a tree, only the stump is left. Depending on your budget and needs, a service professional can remove the stump altogether 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.
• Debris removal: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover branches, leaves and logs away from your home.
• Wood chipping: A tree removal specialist can use a wood chipper to shred the trunk and branches following the tree's removal. Afterward, you can use the chips in your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that offers landscaping services, the team could help fill up holes or plant a new, healthy tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Houma

Consider these factors to select the best tree removal company for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

Arborists are scientific experts that help you care for your trees. They may recommend restoring the tree's health 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. Arborists in Houma must be licensed with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. They can also pursue a private certification from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Certification requires three years of experience and passage of an exam. Licensed and ISA Certified arborists have the skills, knowledge and experience to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company insured for workers compensation, business liability and general 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. In addition, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry requires all individuals who “work on trees for a fee” to hold an arborist license. Be sure to confirm that a potential tree removal service provider is licensed before hiring.

Request a tree risk assessment

To determine if removing a tree is necessary, get a tree risk assessment (TRA). After you call for a TRA, an arborist will determine your tree's fall risk and what damage could come from a fall. The arborist will first examine the tree from a distance to identify obvious signs of damage. They will then circle around the tree to inspect its crown, roots and trunk. Some arborists use particular equipment to study the tree's insides.

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, friends and neighbors for tree removal company referrals. Even with a personal recommendation it's, it's still important to research a company's reputation by reading 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.