3 best tree removal companies in Lubbock, Texas

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. Entrust the job to licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience to safely remove hazard trees from your property.

It's crucial 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 physical harm and damage to your home.

Tree removal contractors know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized tools to remove trees according to local ordinances and permit requirements. By working with a reputable tree removal company in Lubbock, you can have more confidence that the job will get done safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Lubbock

Look for tree removal companies in Lubbock 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?

Consider removing a tree if you observe severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are growing too close to your house. The number of decayed trees in Lubbock is comparatively high compared to other American cities. Seek advice from a tree removal specialist if you see any of the following signs:

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

Leaning trees or trees with raised dirt around the tree trunk base are at a high risk of falling. Contact a tree removal service immediately to evaluate the tree and help remove it if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, contain structural defects beyond repair, making them more prone to fall. A falling tree could seriously endanger people, property, vehicles and pets. Signs of structural defects include rotten wood, dead branches, large cracks, loose bark and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you suspect your property has a hazard tree, get it removed as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal contractors provide a range of additional services beyond cutting down trees. These may include the following:

• Wood chipping: A tree removal professional can use a wood chipper to break down the trunk and branches once the tree is cut down. Afterward, you can add the chips and mulch to your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of branches, logs and leaves to clear. 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 completely remove the stump, which guarantees the tree won't grow back.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can assist in covering holes left over from stump removal or plant a healthy tree where your old one stood.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Lubbock

Find the right tree removal company for your project using these considerations.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A tree removal company's staff arborist is the go-to expert to get your tree care questions answered. They'll tap into their extensive scientific training to evaluate your tree's specific requirements and provide the necessary treatments, including health restoration or removal if the tree poses a falling hazard. Arborists are also a valuable resource for advice on planting, moving and pruning trees. Texas 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 obtain the certification. 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, ensure it has comprehensive insurance coverage, including business liability, workers compensation and general liability. This coverage can financially protect you if an accident happens. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing regulations. A contractor in Lubbock doesn't need a state license if tree removal is all they offer. We recommend contacting Lubbock officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

To determine if removing a tree is the right choice, have a tree risk assessment (TRA). During a TRA appointment, an arborist will assess the chance the tree could fall and what damage could ensue. They'll begin by inspecting the tree from afar for clear damage indicators. Next, they'll walk around the tree up close, inspecting its trunk, roots and crown. Some arborists use advanced equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free consultations and estimates. We recommend getting at least two estimates to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends, family and neighbors for recommendations for tree removal services near you. It's also wise to check online reviews on sites like Yelp, BBB and Google Reviews.

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.