3 best tree removal companies in Monroe, Louisiana

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.

It's important to remove diseased trees, trees with high fall risk and trees that are damaging your foundation. However, undertaking this task yourself increases the potential for physical harm and damage to your home.

Tree removal professionals know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized equipment to remove trees according to local ordinances and permit requirements. By working with a reputable tree removal company in Monroe, you can have more confidence that the job will get done safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Monroe

Look for tree removal companies in Monroe 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?

If a tree on your property has evidence of severe damage or decay, or if it's growing too close to your house, you may need to have it removed. The number of decayed trees in Monroe is above average compared to other American cities. It's wise to get advice from a professional tree removal contractor if you notice any of these indicators:

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

If you notice raised dirt close to the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is visibly beginning to lean, it's in danger of falling. Contact a trusted tree removal provider right away if you see either of these signs, and have the tree professionally examined.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes referred to as danger trees, have structural defects which are beyond repair, increasing the likelihood they will fall. A falling tree poses a major risk to people, pets, property and vehicles. Signs of structural defects include large cracks, dead branches, loose bark, rotten wood and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, remove it right away.

What other tree services might you need?

Beyond removing trees, some tree removal companies offer a range of extra services, such as these:

• Wood chipping: A tree removal expert can use a wood chipper to chip the trunk and branches after the tree has been removed. Afterward, you can use the chips in your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain following a tree removal. A professional might recommend removing the stump altogether based on the circumstances. They may also grind the stump down so the tree's remnants decompose more quickly. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that the tree won't regrow.
• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as logs, leaves and branches. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• 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 Monroe

Think about these factors to find the right 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 go-to expert to get your tree care questions answered. They'll tap into their extensive scientific training to evaluate your tree's specific requirements and provide the necessary treatments, including health restoration or removal if the tree poses a falling hazard. Arborists are also a valuable resource for advice on planting, moving and pruning trees. Arborists in Monroe must be licensed with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. They can also pursue a private certification from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Certification requires three years of experience and passage of an exam. Licensed and 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 general liability, business liability and workers compensation. 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. In addition, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry requires all individuals who “work on trees for a fee” to hold an arborist license. Be sure to confirm that a potential tree removal service provider is licensed before hiring.

Request a tree risk assessment

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you decide whether tree removal is a good decision and can underscore the benefits of taking down a potentially hazardous tree. During the TRA, an arborist will determine a tree's likelihood of falling and the damage that could result. First, they'll inspect the tree from a distance, looking for obvious damage signs. Next, they'll inspect the crown, trunk and roots by circling around the tree. Some arborists use advanced tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends, family and neighbors to recommend reputable tree removal companies. Even with a referral from someone, it's still important to verify a company's reputation by reading 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.