10 best tree removal companies in Lawrence, Indiana

Healthy trees improve 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. Entrust the job to licensed professionals who have 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, trying to tackle the project yourself could result in serious injury and expensive property damage.

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

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Lawrence

Look for tree removal companies in Lawrence 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 most advisable step. The number of decayed trees in Lawrence is noticeably high compared to other American cities. It's wise to contact a professional tree removal contractor if you notice any of these alerts:

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

If you observe raised dirt around the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is beginning to lean, it's at risk of falling. Contact a tree removal expert as soon as possible to assess the extent of the damage and take down the tree if necessary.

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 could seriously endanger people, vehicles, pets and property. Signs of structural defects include loose bark, rotten wood, dead branches, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree in your yard, get it taken down right away.

What other tree services might you need?

Beyond removing trees, some tree removal companies offer a variety of supplementary services, including these:

• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree branch by branch, 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.
• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of leaves, branches and logs to get off your property. A contractor can use flatbeds or dump trucks to remove debris faster.
• 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 remove the stump altogether, which guarantees the tree won't grow back.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can help you fill 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 Lawrence

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

Arborists are scientific experts that help you care for your trees. They may recommend health restoration services for your tree or removal if a tree has a high fall risk. Arborists can also offer valuable insights on planting, pruning and moving trees for optimal growth and well-being. Indiana does not require arborists to be licensed, 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 earn certification. ISA-certified arborists have the experience, knowledge and skills to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company with insurance covering general liability, workers compensation and business liability. A contractor's insurance policy acts 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 requirements. No state license is required for contractors in Indiana that only remove trees. We recommend contacting the Lawrence building department and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

A tree risk assessment (TRA) can help you confirm if removing a potentially dangerous tree is the right step to take. During the TRA, an arborist will assess 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 circling around the tree. Some arborists use advanced tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal contractors offer free consultations and service estimates. Obtain quotes from several providers to assess their prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask those closest to you for tree removal company recommendations. While suggestions from loved ones are insightful, take time to read online reviews on BBB, Yelp and Google Reviews 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.