10 best tree removal companies in Madison, Ohio

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 important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Licensed professionals have the equipment and experience to safely remove a tree from your property.

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 result in injury or property damage.

Tree removal experts are knowledgeable about the proper cutting techniques and employ specialized machinery to remove trees while adhering to local ordinances. Working with a reputable tree removal company in Madison ensures 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?

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 Madison is high compared to other small towns. If you see any of the following warning signs, contact a tree removal expert.

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

Leaning trees or trees with raised dirt encircling the tree trunk base are more likely to fall. Contact a tree removal contractor as soon as possible to review the extent of the damage and safely remove the tree if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have structural defects that cannot be fixed, increasing the chance of them falling. Falling trees can pose a considerable threat to people, pets, vehicles and property. Signs of structural defects include loose bark, rotten wood, large cracks, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you believe your property has a hazard tree, have it removed immediately.

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 teams often use wood chippers to chip tree trunks and branches. If you choose, you can use the chips as mulch to improve your other plants' growth.
• Stump removal: After cutting down 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 regrow.
• Debris removal: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover logs, branches and leaves away from your home.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that offers landscaping services, the team could help level holes or install a fresh tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Madison

Consider these factors to select the right 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 planting, pruning and moving trees for optimal growth and well-being. Ohio does not require arborists to hold a license, 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 skills, experience and knowledge to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, ensure it has comprehensive insurance, including business liability, general liability and workers compensation. 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 Madison doesn't need a state license if tree removal is the only service they offer. We recommend contacting Madison officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor complies with the requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

To determine if removing a tree is necessary, 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 specialized equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask neighbors, friends and family for recommendations for tree removal companies in your area. It's also wise to browse online reviews on sites like Google Reviews, BBB 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.