5 best tree removal companies in Montgomery, 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 is also essential for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Licensed professionals have the proper 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, attempting to do it yourself could result in property damage or injury.

Tree removal experts know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized equipment to remove trees according to local regulations. By working with a reputable tree removal company in Montgomery, you can be more confident that the job will get done safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Montgomery

Look for tree removal companies in Montgomery 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 Montgomery is average compared to other American cities. It's wise to contact a professional tree removal contractor if you notice any of these indicators:

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

If you notice raised dirt around the base of the trunk, or if the tree is beginning to lean, it's in danger of falling. If you notice either of these signs, contact a qualified tree removal expert right away to assess the damage and safely remove the tree before it causes harm.

What is a hazard tree?

When a tree has irreparable structural defects that put it at high risk of falling, it becomes a hazard tree, sometimes called a danger tree. Falling trees can cause considerable property damage and seriously injure people and pets. Signs of structural defects include dead branches, loose bark, rotten wood, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it removed right away.

What other tree services might you need?

In addition to removing trees, some tree removal companies offer a range of additional services, such as these:

• Wood chipping: A tree removal professional can use a wood chipper to shred the trunk and branches following the tree's removal. Afterward, you can use the chips in your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of logs, leaves and branches to clear. A contractor can use flatbeds or dump trucks to remove debris faster.
• Stump removal: After removing 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 grow back.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal companies also offer landscaping services. These services might include leveling and repurposing the area where the tree stump was or planting a new tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Montgomery

To choose the best tree removal company for your needs, consider these factors.

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 specific needs 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. 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 three years of field experience and pass an exam to earn certification. ISA-certified arborists have the experience, knowledge and skills 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 workers compensation, business liability and general liability. This coverage protects you, your property and the company's employees if an accident occurs during the job. 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

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you determine whether tree removal is a good decision and can underscore the benefits of taking down a potentially hazardous tree. During a TRA appointment, an arborist will assess the chance the tree could fall and what damage could ensue. They'll begin by visually examining the tree from afar for clear damage indicators. Next, they'll circle the tree up close, inspecting its trunk, crown and roots. Some arborists use advanced equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends and family for tree removal company suggestions. While suggestions from loved ones are insightful, take time to read online reviews on BBB, Yelp and Google Reviews 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.