10 best tree removal companies in Oxford, Alabama

Healthy trees contribute to your home's curb appeal and create a shady retreat in your yard. Unhealthy trees, however, can compromise your property. Tree removal 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 Oxford can use their equipment and experience to help you safely remove a tree from your property.

Removing diseased trees and other trees with high fall risk is critical for your property's health. However, trying to tackle the project yourself could result in serious injury and costly property damage.

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

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Oxford

Look for tree removal companies in Oxford 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 Oxford is comparatively high compared to other small towns. It's wise to speak with a professional tree removal contractor if you observe any of these alerts:

The tree has diseases, mold or pests weakening its structure. The tree is visibly dead or severely burned. The tree has damage from heavy rain or thunderstorms. The tree's roots are making your home's foundation lift or crack. The tree is dropping an unusual amount of needles, sap, seeds, branches or leaves. 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.

Leaning trees and trees with elevated dirt surrounding their trunk bases are at higher risk of falling. Contact a trusted tree removal provider right away if you notice either of these signs, and have the tree professionally examined.

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 property, pets, people and vehicles. Signs of a structural defect include rotten wood, dead branches, loose bark, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, have it removed as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Beyond cutting down trees, some tree removal companies offer a range of additional services, including the following:

• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree limb by limb, 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: Debris like leaves, logs and branches is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Stump removal: After the team finishes removing your tree, only the stump will remain. You can choose to grind down the stump so it will more easily decompose. A contractor can also remove the stump altogether in some cases. While this is more expensive than grinding, it guarantees the tree won't grow back.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal services provide landscaping services. This could include filling the hole where the tree stump was or planting a new tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Oxford

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 assess 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 planting, pruning and moving 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 at least three years of experience and pass an exam to earn certification. ISA-certified arborists have the skills, experience and knowledge to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company carrying insurance for business liability, workers compensation and general liability. A contractor's insurance policy is 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

By getting a tree risk assessment (TRA), you'll get a professional opinion on whether removing a tree is necessary. The assessment also details the risks of keeping a potentially hazardous tree. During a TRA appointment, an arborist will determine 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 advanced equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Most tree removal companies provide complimentary consultations and price quotes. Collect quotes from several providers and compare rates to find the best value.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask for tree removal company referrals from trusted friends, neighbors and family. Even if someone you trust refers you, take the time to read online reviews on BBB, Google Reviews and Yelp to get a well-rounded perspective before you hire.

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.