10 best tree removal companies in Madison, Alabama

While healthy trees enhance your home's curb appeal and give your yard welcome shade, unhealthy trees create safety concerns for your property. If a tree is diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture, it may be necessary 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, call on licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience.

It's important to remove diseased trees with higher fall risk, as well as trees impacting your home's foundation and structural integrity. The task, however, is very dangerous if done improperly. Trying to do the job on your own could lead to personal injury or property damage.

Tree removal specialists have mastered the proper cutting techniques and utilize specialized equipment to remove trees while adhering to local ordinances. Partnering with a reputable tree removal company in Madison guarantees that the job will be completed safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Madison

Look for tree removal companies in Madison 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 see severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are encroaching on your house. The number of decayed trees in Madison is average compared to other American cities. If you notice any of the following warning signs, contact a tree removal specialist.

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

Leaning trees and trees with raised dirt around their trunk bases are much more likely to fall. If you see either of these signs, contact a qualified tree removal expert right away to evaluate the damage and safely remove the tree before it causes harm.

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 poses a substantial risk to pets, property, people and vehicles. A few signs that a tree has 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, get it removed as soon as you can.

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:

• Wood chipping: Tree removal contractors can use wood chippers to break down tree trunks and branches. You can use the chips to improve plant growth.
• Stump removal: After cutting down a tree, only the stump remains. Depending on your budget and needs, a service professional can remove the stump altogether 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.
• 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.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that provides landscaping services, the team could help fill up holes or plant a new, healthy tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Madison

Use these factors to select the best tree removal company for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A tree removal company's staff arborist is the right expert to get your tree care questions answered. They'll tap into their extensive scientific training to evaluate your tree's health and provide the necessary treatments, including restoration or removal if the tree poses a falling hazard. Arborists are also a valuable resource for advice on moving, planting and pruning trees. Alabama 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 knowledge, experience and skills to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Tree removal companies should carry an extensive insurance policy, including business liability, general liability and workers compensation. These policies help protect you, your property and the company’s workers in the event of an accident. To become a licensed tree surgeon in the state of Alabama, individuals must obtain a Horticulture Professional Services License from the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries. Ensure that your tree removal service provider is properly licensed before hiring.

Request a tree risk assessment

By getting a tree risk assessment (TRA), you'll get a professional opinion on whether removing a tree is essential. The assessment also details the risks of keeping a potentially hazardous tree. After you call for a TRA, an arborist will evaluate your tree's potential to fall and what damage could result from a fall. The arborist will first visually assess the tree from a distance to search for obvious signs of damage. They will then circle around the tree to inspect its crown, trunk and roots. Some arborists use particular equipment to study the tree's insides.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal contractors provide free estimates and consultations. Obtain quotes from several companies to assess their prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask people you know for tree removal contractor suggestions. While a personal recommendation can be helpful, it's important to read online reviews on Google Reviews, Yelp and BBB 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.