10 best tree removal companies in New Orleans, Louisiana

Healthy trees add 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 diseased, decaying 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 New Orleans can use their equipment and experience to help you safely remove a tree from your property.

It's crucial to remove diseased trees with higher fall risk, as well as trees impacting your home's foundation and structural integrity. The task, however, is very hazardous if done improperly. Attempting to do the job on your own could result in property damage or personal injury.

When you hire a reputable tree removal company in New Orleans, you'll have a skilled team to safely remove trees with specialized cutting equipment and techniques in accordance with local regulations.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in New Orleans

Look for tree removal companies in New Orleans 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 growing too close to your home. The number of decayed trees in New Orleans is somewhat low compared to other American cities. It's wise to speak with a professional tree removal contractor if you notice any of these alerts:

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

Trees that are leaning or have raised dirt encircling the tree trunk base are at a high risk of falling. Contact a tree removal contractor as soon as possible to evaluate the extent of the damage and take down the tree if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, contain structural defects beyond repair, making them more likely to fall. Falling trees can pose a serious threat to pets, property, people and vehicles. Rotten wood, large cracks, dead branches, loose bark and hollow cavities near the tree base are all indicators of structural defects. If you suspect your property has a hazard tree, 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:

• Wood chipping: Tree removal contractors can use wood chippers to shred tree trunks and branches. You can use the chips to improve plant growth.
• Debris removal: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover logs, branches and leaves away from your home.
• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will remain. You can grind the stump down so what's left of the tree can decompose. A more expensive option is to completely remove the stump, which guarantees the tree won't regrow.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can level holes left over from stump removal or plant a fresh tree where your old one stood.

How to choose the best tree removal service in New Orleans

Find the right tree removal company for your project using these considerations.

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 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, pruning and moving trees. Arborists in New Orleans 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 experience, knowledge and skills to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Tree removal providers should carry an extensive insurance policy, including general liability, workers compensation and business liability. These policies help protect you, your property and the company’s workers in the event of an accident. 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 the best course of action and highlights 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 result. They'll begin by looking at the tree from afar for clear damage indicators. Next, they'll walk around the tree up close, inspecting its crown, roots and trunk. Some arborists use advanced equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends, neighbors and family for suggestions on reputable tree removal services near you. It's also wise to browse online 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.