10 best tree removal companies in Louisville, Kentucky

While healthy trees improve your home's curb appeal and give your yard cooling 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.

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

Tree removal specialists have mastered the proper cutting techniques and utilize specialized equipment to remove trees following local regulations. Partnering with a reputable tree removal company in Louisville gives you confidence that the job will be performed safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Louisville

Look for tree removal companies in Louisville 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 showing signs of severe damage or decay, or if it’s encroaching on your home. The number of decayed trees in Louisville is somewhat high compared to other parts of the country. Consider contacting a tree removal expert if any of the following apply to your tree:

The tree is visibly dead or severely burned. The tree or its offshoots are dangerously close to your home or another structure on your property. The tree's roots are causing your home's foundation to crack or lift. The tree's branches or trunk are cracked and won't heal. 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 has mold, pests or diseases weakening its structure.

Leaning trees and trees with raised dirt around their trunk bases are at higher risk of falling. If you notice either of these signs, contact a qualified tree removal expert right away to review the damage and safely remove the tree before it causes harm.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, contain structural defects beyond repair, making them more prone to fall. Falling trees can pose a significant threat to pets, people, vehicles and property. Signs of structural defects include large cracks, loose bark, dead branches, rotten wood 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?

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

• Wood chipping: Tree removal teams often use wood chippers to chip tree trunks and branches. If you choose, you can use the chips as mulch to nourish your garden plants.
• Debris removal: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover logs, branches and leaves away from your home.
• Stump removal: After the team finishes removing your tree, only the stump will be left. You can choose to grind down the stump so what's left of the tree will 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: If you hire a tree removal company that provides landscaping services, the team could help fill leftover holes or plant a new, healthy tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Louisville

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 licensed arborist can assess your tree's condition and offer appropriate solutions, such as restoring its health or safely removing it to mitigate fall risk. Arborists also provide guidance on moving, pruning and planting trees. Kentucky 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 three years of field experience and pass an exam to get certified. ISA-certified arborists have the skills, knowledge and experience to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, make sure it carries comprehensive insurance coverage, including workers compensation, general liability and business liability. This coverage can financially protect you if an accident happens. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing requirements. Kentucky doesn't license these companies at the state level. We recommend checking with the Louisville 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 best decision. During a TRA appointment, an arborist will assess the chance the tree could fall and what damage could result. They'll begin by looking at the tree from afar for clear damage indicators. Next, they'll circle the tree up close, inspecting its crown, roots and trunk. Some arborists use specialized equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free consultations and estimates. We recommend getting more than one estimate to compare recommendations and prices.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask neighbors, friends and family for suggestions on reputable tree removal services near you. 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.