10 best tree removal companies in Huntsville, Alabama

While healthy trees improve your home's curb appeal and give your yard cooling shade, unhealthy trees pose significant risks for 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. To ensure your hazardous tree gets removed safely, call on licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience.

You should remove trees that are diseased, have a high fall risk, or which are damaging your foundation. However, trying to do it yourself could lead to injury or property damage.

Tree removal professionals are well-versed in the proper cutting techniques and employ specialized machinery to remove trees following local ordinances. By partnering with a reputable tree removal company in Huntsville, you can trust that the job will be completed safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Huntsville

Look for tree removal companies in Huntsville 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 see severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are encroaching on your house. The number of decayed trees in Huntsville is average compared to other parts of the country. It's wise to contact a professional tree removal contractor if you notice any of these warning signs:

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 is visibly dead or severely burned. The tree has pests, diseases or mold weakening its structure. The tree has damage from heavy rain or thunderstorms. The tree or its offshoots are too close to your home, garage or shed. The tree is dropping an unusual amount of needles, leaves, branches, sap or seeds.

Trees that are leaning or have elevated soil around the tree trunk base are at a high risk of falling. Contact a tree removal contractor immediately to evaluate the tree and safely 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 pose a considerable threat to pets, vehicles, people and property. Signs of structural defects include loose bark, large cracks, dead branches, rotten wood and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you believe your property has a hazard tree, get it removed immediately.

What other tree services might you need?

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

• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will remain. 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 grow back.
• 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.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal contractors can use wood chippers to shred tree trunks and branches. You can use the chips to improve plant growth.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can level holes left over from stump removal or plant a new tree where your old one stood.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Huntsville

Use these considerations to make the most informed tree removal company decision for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A tree removal company's staff arborist is the right expert to get your tree care questions answered. They'll tap into their extensive scientific training to examine your tree's health and provide the necessary treatments, including health restoration or removal if the tree poses a falling hazard. Arborists are also a valuable resource for advice on pruning, planting and moving 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 at least three years of experience and pass an exam to get certified. ISA-certified arborists have the knowledge, experience and skills to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Tree removal providers should have an extensive insurance policy, including general liability, workers compensation and business liability. These policies help protect you, your property and the company’s workers in the event of an accident. 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 professional advice on whether removing a tree is necessary. The assessment also details the risks of keeping a potentially hazardous tree. To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by searching for clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll circle 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 more than one estimate to compare recommendations and prices.

Read reviews from homeowners

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