10 best tree removal companies in Kettering, Ohio

Healthy trees elevate your home's curb appeal and bring welcome shade to your yard. However, unhealthy trees can pose serious risks to your property. If a tree is diseased, decaying 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. Turn to licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience to safely remove hazard trees from your property.

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

Tree removal specialists are trained in the proper cutting techniques and utilize specialized machinery to remove trees in compliance with local regulations. When you work with a reputable tree removal company in Kettering, you can trust that the job will be completed safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Kettering

Look for tree removal companies in Kettering 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 displaying evidence of severe damage or decay, or if it’s encroaching on your home. The number of decayed trees in Kettering is relatively low compared to other American cities. If you observe any of the following signs, contact a tree removal professional.

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

Leaning trees or trees with raised dirt around the tree trunk base are more likely to fall. Contact a trusted tree removal provider right away if you see 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 more likely to fall. A falling tree poses a major risk to vehicles, pets, property and people. Rotten wood, dead branches, loose bark, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base are all indicators of structural defects. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it removed as soon as you can.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal professionals may offer a range of other services. Along with their main focus removing trees, some contractors can help with the following additional services:

• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain once a tree removal job is complete. A professional might recommend completely removing the stump based on the circumstances. They may also grind the stump down so the tree's remnants decompose more quickly. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that the tree won't regrow.
• Debris removal: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover logs, leaves and branches away from your home.
• 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.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals double as landscapers. When working with one of these companies, you could plant a new tree or fill the hole where the stump was located.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Kettering

Find the right tree removal company for your job based on these factors.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

Arborists are expert consultants 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 pruning, planting and moving trees to help them grow properly and last for years. Ohio 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 obtain the certification. ISA-certified arborists have the experience, knowledge and skills to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Tree removal companies should carry extensive insurance coverage, 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. City and county governments often set their own tree removal licensing regulations. A contractor in Kettering doesn't need a state license if tree removal is the only service they offer. We recommend contacting Kettering officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor meets all requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

A tree risk assessment (TRA) can help you confirm if removing a potentially dangerous tree is the best decision. 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 trunk, crown and roots by circumnavigating the tree. Some arborists use special tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

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