10 best tree removal companies in Lafayette, Louisiana

Healthy trees enhance your home's curb appeal and give 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 with the right equipment and experience to safely remove hazard trees from your property.

It's essential to remove diseased trees, trees with high fall risk and trees that are damaging your foundation. However, performing this task yourself increases the potential for injury and property damage.

When you hire a reputable tree removal company in Lafayette, you'll have a skilled team to safely remove trees with specialized cutting techniques and equipment in accordance with local ordinances and permit requirements.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Lafayette

Look for tree removal companies in Lafayette 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?

If a tree on your property shows indications of severe damage or decay, or if it's growing too close to your house, you may need to have it removed. The number of decayed trees in Lafayette is above average compared to other American cities. Consider seeking advice from a tree removal professional if any of the following apply to your tree:

The tree's trunk or branches 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 visibly dead or severely burned. The tree is dropping an unusual amount of needles, sap, leaves, seeds or branches. The tree has mold, pests or diseases weakening its structure. The tree has damage from heavy rain or thunderstorms. The tree's roots are causing your home's foundation to crack or lift.

Trees that are leaning or have raised dirt surrounding the tree trunk base are more likely to fall. Contact a trusted tree removal provider right away if you notice either of these signs, and have the tree professionally assessed.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, have irreparable structural defects making them more likely to fall. Falling trees can pose a significant threat to people, property, pets and vehicles. Signs of a structural defect include loose bark, dead branches, large cracks, rotten wood and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it removed immediately.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal companies provide an assortment of extra services apart from removing trees. These may include the following:

• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of logs, leaves and branches to clear. A contractor can use flatbeds or dump trucks to remove debris faster.
• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain once a tree removal job is complete. A professional might recommend removing the stump altogether 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.
• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree limb by limb, they might use a wood chipper to shred the tree parts. Consider giving the tree a second life by using the chips as mulch for your garden.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal providers provide landscaping services. This could 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 Lafayette

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

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A licensed arborist can assess your tree's condition and offer suitable solutions, such as restoring its health or safely removing it to mitigate fall risk. Arborists also provide guidance on moving, planting and pruning trees. Arborists in Lafayette 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

When hiring a tree removal company, make sure it carries comprehensive insurance coverage, including business liability, general liability and workers compensation. This coverage protects you, your property and the company's employees if an accident occurs during the job. 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

A tree risk assessment (TRA) can help you decide if removing a potentially dangerous tree is necessary. During the TRA, an arborist will assess a tree's likelihood of falling and the damage that could result. First, they'll visually evaluate the tree from a distance, looking for obvious damage signs. Next, they'll inspect the roots, crown and trunk by circling 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. We recommend getting multiple estimates to compare recommendations and prices.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask those closest to you for tree removal contractor referrals. While suggestions from loved ones are valuable, it's still wise to read online reviews on Google Reviews, Yelp and BBB before making your choice.

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.