5 best tree removal companies in Lufkin, Texas

Healthy trees can increase your home's curb appeal and bring shade to your yard, but unhealthy trees pose risks to your property. You may need to remove a tree if it's diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture. Tree removal is also important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Licensed professionals have the equipment and experience to remove a tree from your property safely.

It's crucial to get rid of diseased trees with higher fall risk, as well as trees impacting your home's foundation and structural integrity. The task, however, is very hazardous if done improperly. Attempting to do the job alone could lead to personal injury or property damage.

Tree removal professionals understand the proper cutting techniques and utilize specialized tools to remove trees in accordance with local regulations. Choosing a reputable tree removal company in Lufkin gives you confidence that the job will be performed safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Lufkin

Look for tree removal companies in Lufkin 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 Lufkin is low compared to other parts of the country. Consider getting an estimate from a tree removal specialist if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

If you notice raised dirt near the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is visibly starting to lean, it's at risk of falling. If you notice either of these signs, contact a qualified tree removal expert right away to evaluate the damage and remove the tree before it can cause further damage.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes referred to as danger trees, have structural defects which are beyond repair, increasing the chance they will fall. Falling trees can pose a considerable threat to vehicles, people, property and pets. Signs of 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, have it removed as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

In addition to removing trees, some tree removal companies offer a range of extra services, such as the following:

• Debris removal: Debris like leaves, branches and logs is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal specialists can use wood chippers to shred tree trunks and branches. You can use the chips to improve plant growth.
• Stump removal: After removing a tree, only the stump is left. Depending on your budget and needs, a service professional can completely remove the stump or grind it down so what's left of it will decompose. Removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees the tree won't grow back.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal providers also offer 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 Lufkin

To choose the right tree removal company for your needs, keep these factors in mind.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

An arborist is a scientific expert who can analyze your tree's requirements and advise you on the correct care. This can include restoring its health or removing it if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for pruning, transplanting and planting 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 at least three years of experience and pass an exam to obtain the certification. ISA-certified arborists have the experience, knowledge and skills to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, make sure it has comprehensive insurance coverage, including workers compensation, general liability and business liability. This coverage protects you, your property and the company's employees if an accident occurs during the job. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing regulations. A contractor in Lufkin doesn't need a state license if tree removal is all they offer. We recommend checking with the Lufkin government and your county to ensure a prospective contractor complies with the requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

A tree risk assessment (TRA) can help you confirm if removing a potentially dangerous tree is necessary. During the TRA, an arborist will determine 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 trunk, crown and roots by walking around the tree. Some arborists use special tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free consultations and estimates. Get estimates from more than one company to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask for tree removal company referrals from trusted family, friends and neighbors. Even when you get a referral, take the time to read online reviews on BBB, Yelp and Google Reviews to get a well-rounded perspective before you hire.

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.