9 best tree removal companies in Opelika, 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 important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Licensed professionals have the right 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 specialists are trained in the proper cutting techniques and employ specialized machinery to remove trees following local ordinances. By partnering with a reputable tree removal company in Opelika, you can have peace of mind that the job will be completed safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Opelika

Look for tree removal companies in Opelika 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 shows indications 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 Opelika is comparatively low compared to other parts of the country. It's wise to speak with a professional tree removal contractor if you notice any of these indicators:

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

Leaning trees and trees with elevated dirt around their trunk bases are much more likely to fall. Contact a reliable contractor as soon as you can if you observe either of these signs, and have the tree professionally evaluated.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have structural defects that cannot be fixed, increasing the likelihood they will fall. A falling tree poses a substantial risk to pets, vehicles, property and people. 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, get it removed immediately.

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:

• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of logs, leaves and branches to get off your property. A contractor can use flatbeds or dump trucks to remove debris faster.
• Wood chipping: A tree removal expert can use a wood chipper to shred the trunk and branches once the tree is cut down. Afterward, you can spread the mulch in your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain once a tree removal job is complete. A professional might recommend removing the stump altogether based on the circumstances. They may also grind the stump so the tree's remnants decompose more quickly. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that 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 Opelika

Consider these factors to choose the right tree removal company for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

Arborists are scientific experts that help you care for your trees. They may recommend restoring the tree's health or removal if a tree has a high fall risk. Arborists can also offer valuable insights on pruning, planting and moving trees for optimal growth and well-being. Alabama doesn't have arborist licensing rules, 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 knowledge, experience and skills to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company carrying insurance for workers compensation, business liability and general liability. 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. 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 decide whether tree removal is the best course of action and can underscore the benefits of taking down a potentially hazardous tree. During a TRA appointment, an arborist will determine the chance the tree could fall and what damage could result. They'll begin by inspecting 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

Many tree removal companies offer free estimates and consultations. We recommend getting more than one estimate to compare recommendations and prices.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends and family 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 Yelp, Google Reviews and BBB.

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.