10 best tree removal companies in Mobile, Alabama

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 also helps mitigate the risk of wildfires in Mobile. Licensed professionals have the proper equipment and experience to remove a tree from your property safely.

You should prioritize removing trees that are diseased, have a high fall risk, or which are damaging your foundation. However, attempting to do it yourself could result in property damage or injury.

Tree removal specialists understand the proper cutting techniques and use specialized tools to remove trees following local ordinances. Choosing a reputable tree removal company in Mobile gives you confidence that the job will be executed safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Mobile

Look for tree removal companies in Mobile 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?

When a tree shows signs of severe damage or decay, or if its roots have gotten too close to your home, removal is often the most advisable step. The number of decayed trees in Mobile is relatively high compared to other American cities. If you observe any of the following warning signs, contact a tree removal expert.

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

Trees that are leaning or have raised dirt around the tree trunk base are at a high risk of falling. Contact a tree removal contractor immediately to assess the tree and help remove it if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, have irreparable structural defects making them more prone to fall. Falling trees can cause significant property damage and seriously injure people and pets. Signs of structural defects include rotten wood, dead branches, large cracks, loose bark 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?

Tree removal companies offer a variety of services. In addition to removing trees, many companies offer the following:

• Stump removal: After cutting down a tree, only the stump is left. 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 regrow.
• Debris removal: Debris like leaves, logs and branches is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal teams often use wood chippers to break down tree trunks and branches. If you choose, you can use the chips as mulch to improve your other plants' growth.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that provides landscaping services, the team could help fill leftover holes or install a fresh tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Mobile

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

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A tree removal company's staff arborist is the go-to expert to get your tree care questions answered. They'll tap into their extensive scientific training to examine 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 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 get certified. ISA-certified arborists have the experience, knowledge and skills to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, make sure it carries comprehensive insurance, including workers compensation, business liability and general liability. This coverage can financially protect you if an accident happens. 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

To determine if removing a tree is necessary, have a professional tree risk assessment (TRA). After you ask for a TRA, an arborist will assess your tree's potential to fall and what damage could result from a fall. The arborist will first examine the tree from a distance to search for obvious signs of damage. They will then walk around the tree to inspect its crown, roots and trunk. Some arborists use specific equipment to study the tree's insides.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends and family to recommend reputable tree removal companies. Even with a personal recommendation it's, it's still important to research a company's reputation by reading reviews on sites like BBB, Yelp and Google Reviews.

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.