10 best tree removal companies in Madison Heights, Michigan

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 decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture. Tree removal is also crucial for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Licensed professionals have the right 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 by yourself could lead to property damage or personal injury.

Tree removal specialists understand the proper cutting techniques and use specialized tools to remove trees in accordance with local ordinances and permit requirements. Partnering with a reputable tree removal company in Madison Heights ensures that the job will be executed safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Madison Heights

Look for tree removal companies in Madison Heights 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 growing too close to your house. The number of decayed trees in Madison Heights is above average compared to other parts of the country. Consider getting an estimate from a tree removal professional if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

Leaning trees and trees with raised dirt around their trunk bases are at higher risk of falling. Contact a tree removal contractor immediately to assess the tree and safely remove it if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have structural defects which are beyond repair, increasing the probability they will fall. Falling trees can cause extensive property damage and severely harm people and pets. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include rotten wood, large cracks, loose bark, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, have it removed immediately.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal professionals may offer a range of other services. Along with their main focus removing trees, some contractors can help with the following additional services:

• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of branches, logs and leaves to get off your property. A contractor can use flatbeds or dump trucks to remove debris faster.
• Wood chipping: A tree removal professional can use a wood chipper to chip the trunk and branches following the tree's removal. Afterward, you can spread the mulch in your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain once a tree removal job is complete. A professional might recommend removing the stump altogether based on the circumstances. They may also grind the stump so the tree's remnants decompose more easily. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that the tree won't grow back.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can level holes left over from stump removal or plant a new tree where your old one stood.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Madison Heights

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

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

Arborists are expert consultants that help you care for your trees. They may recommend restoring the tree's health or removal if a tree has a high fall risk. Arborists can also offer valuable insights on pruning, planting and moving trees for optimal growth and well-being. Michigan doesn't have arborist licensing rules, 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 skills, experience and knowledge to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company carrying insurance for workers compensation, business liability and general liability. A contractor's insurance policy serves as a safety net for you, your property and the company's team members in case something goes wrong while they work. City and county governments often set their own tree removal licensing requirements. No state license is required for contractors in Michigan that only remove trees. We recommend contacting Madison Heights officials 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 determine if removing a potentially dangerous tree is the best decision. To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by looking for clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll walk around the tree, closely inspecting the crown, trunk and roots. Sometimes, arborists use specialized gear to evaluate the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Most tree removal companies provide complimentary quotes and consultations. Collect quotes from at least two providers and compare rates to find the best value.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask people you know for tree removal contractor suggestions. While suggestions from loved ones are insightful, take time to read online reviews on Google Reviews, BBB and Yelp 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.