10 best tree removal companies in Lancaster, Texas

While healthy trees elevate your home's curb appeal and give your yard welcome shade, unhealthy trees present potential hazards to your property. If a tree is diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture, you may need 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, turn to licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience.

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

Tree removal specialists are well-versed in the proper cutting techniques and employ specialized equipment to remove trees following local regulations. By choosing a reputable tree removal company in Lancaster, you can trust that the job will be completed safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Lancaster

Look for tree removal companies in Lancaster 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 shows 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 Lancaster is above average compared to other parts of the country. Consider getting an estimate from a tree removal expert if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

Leaning trees or trees with elevated soil encircling the tree trunk base are more likely to fall. Contact a tree removal contractor immediately to examine the tree and safely remove it if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have irreparable structural defects that make them prone to falling. A falling tree poses a substantial risk to vehicles, people, property and pets. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include loose bark, rotten wood, large cracks, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, remove it as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal companies offer a variety of services. In addition to removing trees, many companies offer the following:

• Debris removal: Debris like logs, branches and leaves is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will be left. You can grind the stump down so what's left of the tree can decompose. A more expensive option is to completely remove the stump, which guarantees the tree won't regrow.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal professionals often use wood chippers to shred tree trunks and branches. If you choose, you can use the chips as mulch to promote plant growth in your garden.
• 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 Lancaster

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 health and offer suitable solutions, such as restoring its health or safely removing it to mitigate fall risk. Arborists also provide guidance on planting, moving and pruning trees. Texas 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 earn certification. ISA-certified arborists have the skills, experience and knowledge to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, ensure it has comprehensive insurance, including workers compensation, business liability and general liability. This coverage can financially protect you if an accident happens. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing laws. A contractor in Lancaster doesn't need a state license if tree removal is the only service they offer. We recommend contacting Lancaster 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 decide if removing a potentially dangerous tree is necessary. To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by identifying clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll walk around the tree, closely inspecting the trunk, crown and roots. Sometimes, arborists use advanced gear to evaluate the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask people you trust for suggestions on nearby tree removal companies. Even with a personal recommendation it's, it's still important to verify a company's reputation by reading 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.