10 best tree removal companies in McKinney, Texas

Healthy trees contribute to your home's curb appeal and offer a shady retreat in your yard. Unhealthy trees, however, can jeopardize your property. Removing a tree may be necessary if it is 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 tree removal professionals in McKinney can use their equipment and experience to help you safely remove a tree from your property.

Removing diseased trees and other trees with high fall risk is critical for your property's safety. However, attempting to tackle the project yourself could result in serious injury and costly property damage.

Tree removal specialists are knowledgeable about the proper cutting techniques and employ specialized machinery to remove trees while adhering to local ordinances. Choosing a reputable tree removal company in McKinney gives you confidence that the job will be completed safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in McKinney

Look for tree removal companies in McKinney 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 McKinney is relatively high compared to other American cities. If you see any of the following signs, contact a tree removal specialist.

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

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 referred to as danger trees, have structural defects which are beyond repair, increasing the likelihood of them falling. A falling tree poses a substantial risk to people, property, pets and vehicles. Rotten wood, dead branches, loose bark, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base are all indicators of structural defects. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it removed right away.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal contractors offer a range of extra services in addition to removing trees. These may include the following:

• Wood chipping: Tree removal crews often use wood chippers to shred tree trunks and branches. If you choose, you can use the chips as mulch to promote plant growth in your garden.
• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain following a tree removal. A professional might recommend completely removing the stump based on the circumstances. They may also grind the stump down so the tree's remnants decompose more easily. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that 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: Some tree removal services also offer landscaping services. This could include filling the hole where the tree stump was or planting a new tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in McKinney

Use these considerations to make the most informed tree removal company decision 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. Texas 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 knowledge, skills and experience to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Tree removal contractors should have an extensive insurance policy, including business liability, workers compensation and general liability. These policies help protect you, your property and the company’s workers in the event of an accident. City and county governments often set their own tree removal licensing regulations. A contractor in McKinney doesn't need a state license if tree removal is all they offer. We recommend contacting the McKinney building department and your county to ensure a prospective contractor meets all requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

A tree risk assessment (TRA) can help you determine if removing a potentially dangerous tree is necessary. After you ask for a TRA, an arborist will evaluate your tree's fall risk and what damage could result from a fall. The arborist will first look at the tree from a distance to identify obvious signs of damage. They will then circle around the tree to inspect its trunk, crown and roots. Some arborists use specific equipment to study the tree's insides.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free estimates and consultations. Get estimates from multiple companies to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask people you know for tree removal company referrals. 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.