10 best tree removal companies in Owensboro, Kentucky

Healthy trees elevate your home's curb appeal and offer a shady retreat in your yard. Unhealthy trees, however, can threaten 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 Owensboro can use their equipment and experience to help you safely remove a tree from your property.

It's important to get rid of diseased trees with higher fall risk, as well as trees impacting your home's foundation and structural integrity. The task, however, is very dangerous if done improperly. Attempting to do the job alone could lead to property damage or personal injury.

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

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Owensboro

Look for tree removal companies in Owensboro 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?

When a tree shows signs of severe damage or decay, or if its roots are encroaching on your home, removal is often the most advisable step. The number of decayed trees in Owensboro is high compared to other American cities. Consider getting an estimate from a tree removal expert if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

If you notice raised dirt around the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is starting to lean, it's more likely to fall. Contact a tree removal professional as soon as possible to evaluate the extent of the damage and safely remove the tree if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have irreparable structural defects that make them more likely to fall. A falling tree poses a major risk to property, people, vehicles and pets. Signs of structural defects include loose bark, large cracks, dead branches, rotten wood 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?

Beyond removing trees, some tree removal companies offer a variety of supplementary services, such as the following:

• Debris removal: Debris like branches, logs and leaves is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain following a tree removal. A professional might recommend completely removing the stump based on the circumstances. They may also grind the stump down so the tree's remnants decompose more easily. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that the tree won't regrow.
• Wood chipping: A tree removal professional 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.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that offers landscaping services, the team could help fill up holes or install a fresh tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Owensboro

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 licensed arborist can assess your tree's condition and offer appropriate solutions, such as restoring its health or safely removing it to mitigate fall risk. Arborists also offer guidance on pruning, planting and moving trees. Kentucky 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 earn certification. ISA-certified arborists have the knowledge, experience and skills to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company insured for business liability, workers compensation and general liability. A contractor's insurance policy acts as a safety net for you, your property and the company's team members in case something goes wrong while they work. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing laws. No state license is required for contractors in Kentucky that only remove trees. We recommend contacting Owensboro building officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor meets all requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

By getting a tree risk assessment (TRA), you'll receive professional advice on whether removing a tree is required. The assessment also outlines the risks of keeping 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 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 specialized equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends and family for tree removal company recommendations. While referrals from trusted sources can be helpful, it's important to read online reviews on BBB, Google Reviews and Yelp 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.