10 best tree removal companies in Jacksonville, Florida

Healthy trees add to your home's curb appeal and create a shady retreat in your yard. Unhealthy trees, however, can compromise your property. Tree removal may be necessary if it is diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture. Tree removal also helps mitigate the risk of wildfires in Jacksonville. Licensed tree removal professionals in Jacksonville can use their equipment and experience to help you safely remove a tree from your property.

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

When you hire a reputable tree removal company in Jacksonville, you'll have a skilled team to safely remove trees with specialized cutting equipment and techniques in accordance with the city's regulations.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Jacksonville

Look for tree removal companies in Jacksonville 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?

When a tree exhibits signs of severe damage or decay, or if its roots have gotten too close to your home, removal is often the optimal decision. The number of decayed trees in Jacksonville is above average compared to other major metro areas. It's wise to contact a professional tree removal contractor if you notice any of these warning signs:

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

Leaning trees and trees with elevated dirt around their trunk bases are much more likely to fall. Contact a reputable tree removal company as soon as you can if you notice either of these signs, and have the tree professionally examined.

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 damage or injure people, vehicles, property and pets. Rotten wood, large cracks, loose bark, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base are all indicators of structural defects. If you have a hazard tree on your property, remove it as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

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

• Debris removal: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover leaves, logs and branches away from your home.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal professionals can use wood chippers to break down tree trunks and branches. You can use the chips to improve plant growth.
• Stump removal: After the team finishes removing your tree, only the stump will be left. You can choose to grind down the stump so it will more easily 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 regrow.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can assist in covering holes left over from stump removal or plant a fresh tree where your old one stood.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Jacksonville

Follow these steps 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 go-to 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 restoration or removal if the tree poses a falling hazard. Arborists are also a valuable resource for advice on pruning, moving and planting trees. Florida does not require arborists to get a license, 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 skills, experience and knowledge to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company carrying insurance for general liability, workers compensation 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. No state license is required for contractors in Florida that only remove trees. We recommend contacting the Jacksonville building department and your county to ensure a prospective contractor meets all requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

To determine if removing a tree is the right choice, have a professional tree risk assessment (TRA). During the TRA, an arborist will evaluate a tree's likelihood of falling and the damage that could result. First, they'll inspect the tree from a distance, looking for obvious damage signs. Next, they'll inspect the crown, trunk and roots by walking around the tree. Some arborists use advanced tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask family, friends and neighbors for recommendations for tree removal companies in your area. It's also wise to browse online reviews on sites like BBB, Google Reviews and Yelp.

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.