10 best tree removal companies in Houston, Texas

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, you might need to remove it. Tree removal is also important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Entrust the job to licensed professionals who have the right equipment and experience to safely remove hazard trees from your property.

Removing diseased trees and other trees with high fall risk is critical for your property's safety. However, attempting to tackle the project yourself could lead to serious injury and expensive property damage.

Tree removal professionals are well-versed in the proper cutting techniques and use specialized machinery to remove trees following local ordinances and permit requirements. By choosing a reputable tree removal company in Houston, you can be assured that the job will be completed safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Houston

Look for tree removal companies in Houston 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 growing too close to your house. The number of decayed trees in Houston is below average compared to other major metro areas. Consider getting an estimate from a tree removal expert if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

Leaning trees or trees with elevated soil around the tree trunk base are more likely to fall. If you see either of these signs, contact a qualified tree removal expert right away to evaluate the damage and safely remove the tree before it causes harm.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have irreparable structural defects that make them prone to falling. A falling tree could seriously endanger vehicles, property, pets and people. Signs of a structural defect include loose bark, rotten wood, dead branches, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you believe your property has a hazard tree, schedule a tree removal service as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal contractors offer a variety of additional services in addition to removing trees. These may include the following:

• Stump removal: After the team finishes removing your tree, only the stump will remain. You can choose to grind down the stump so what's left of the tree will decompose. A contractor can also completely remove the stump in some cases. While this is more expensive than grinding, it guarantees the tree won't grow back.
• Wood chipping: A tree removal expert can use a wood chipper to shred the trunk and branches after the tree has been removed. Afterward, you can spread the mulch in your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Debris removal: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover leaves, logs and branches away from your home.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal providers provide landscaping services. These services might include leveling and repurposing the area where the tree stump was or planting a new tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Houston

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

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

An arborist is a scientific expert who can study your tree's needs and advise you on the appropriate care. This can include restoring its health or taking it down if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for pruning, transplanting and planting trees. Texas 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 get certified. ISA-certified arborists have the experience, skills and knowledge to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company with insurance covering workers compensation, general liability and business liability. A contractor's insurance policy serves as 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 laws. Texas doesn't license these companies at the state level. We recommend checking with the Houston government and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

By getting a tree risk assessment (TRA), you'll receive professional advice on whether removing a tree is necessary. The assessment also presents the risks of keeping a potentially hazardous tree. To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by identifying clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll circle around the tree, closely inspecting the crown, roots and trunk. Sometimes, arborists use specialized gear to evaluate the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Most tree removal companies provide complimentary consultations and price quotes. Collect estimates from several providers and compare rates to find the best value.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask family, friends and neighbors for suggestions on reputable tree removal companies in your area. It's also wise to read online 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.