10 best tree removal companies in Ocala, Florida

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 diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture. Tree removal is especially important in Ocala due to the area's high wildfire risk. Licensed professionals have the equipment and experience to remove a tree from your property safely.

It's crucial 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 personal injury and property damage.

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

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Ocala

Look for tree removal companies in Ocala 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 displaying evidence of severe damage or decay, or if it’s growing too close to your home. The number of decayed trees in Ocala is remarkably high compared to other parts of the country. It's wise to get advice from a professional tree removal contractor if you notice any of these alerts:

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

If you notice raised dirt close to the tree trunk's base, or if the tree is visibly starting to lean, it's at risk of falling. If you see either of these signs, contact a qualified tree removal expert right away to evaluate the damage and remove the tree before it can cause further damage.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, contain structural defects beyond repair, making them more likely to fall. A falling tree could seriously endanger pets, people, property 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 have a hazard tree on your property, don't wait to remove it as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

In addition to removing trees, some tree removal companies offer a variety of extra services, including these:

• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree branch by branch, they might use a wood chipper to further break the brush down. Consider giving the tree a second life by using the chips as mulch for your garden.
• Debris removal: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover logs, leaves and branches away from your home.
• 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 regrow.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that offers landscaping services, the team could help level holes or add a healthy tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Ocala

Follow these steps 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 examine your tree's specific needs 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 pruning, planting and moving trees. Florida does not require arborists to get 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 skills, experience and knowledge to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, ensure it carries comprehensive insurance coverage, including business liability, workers compensation and general liability. This coverage protects you, your property and the company's employees if an accident occurs during the job. City and county governments often set their own tree removal licensing requirements. A contractor in Ocala doesn't need a state license if tree removal is the only service they offer. We recommend contacting the Ocala government and your county to ensure a prospective contractor meets all requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

A tree risk assessment (TRA) can help you confirm if removing a potentially dangerous tree is necessary. During the TRA, an arborist will determine a tree's likelihood of falling and the damage that could result. First, they'll visually evaluate the tree from a distance, looking for obvious damage signs. Next, they'll inspect the roots, crown and trunk by circling around the tree. Some arborists use advanced tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask people you trust 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.