10 best tree removal companies in Pelham, 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 diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture. Tree removal is also essential for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Licensed professionals have the proper equipment and experience to remove a tree from your property safely.

It's crucial 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 extremely hazardous if done improperly. Trying to do the job alone could result in property damage or personal injury.

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

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Pelham

Look for tree removal companies in Pelham 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?

Consider removing a tree if you notice severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are growing too close to your house. The number of decayed trees in Pelham is really high compared to other parts of the country. It's wise to contact a professional tree removal contractor if you observe any of these alerts:

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

If you spot raised dirt around the base of the trunk, or if the tree is starting to lean, it's more likely to fall. If you notice either of these signs, contact a professional tree removal team 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, have irreparable structural defects making them more likely to fall. A falling tree poses a major risk to people, property, vehicles and pets. Signs of a structural defect include dead branches, rotten wood, loose bark, large cracks 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?

Some tree removal contractors provide a variety of extra services apart from cutting down trees. These may include the following:

• Stump removal: After the team finishes removing your tree, only the stump will be left. 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.
• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of branches, logs and leaves to get off your property. A contractor can use flatbeds or dump trucks to remove debris faster.
• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree limb by limb, they might use a wood chipper to shred the tree parts. Consider giving the tree a second life by using the chips as mulch for your garden.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that offers landscaping services, the team could help level holes or plant a new, healthy tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Pelham

Follow these steps to make the best 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 evaluate your tree's health 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 pruning, planting and moving trees. 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 at least three years of experience and pass an exam to earn certification. ISA-certified arborists have the experience, knowledge and skills to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, make sure it has comprehensive insurance coverage, including workers compensation, general liability and business liability. This coverage safeguards you, your property and the company's employees if an accident occurs during the job. 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

A tree risk assessment (TRA) can help you determine if removing a potentially dangerous tree is necessary. To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by identifying clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll walk around the tree, closely inspecting the crown, roots and trunk. Sometimes, arborists use advanced gear to study the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free estimates and consultations. We recommend getting multiple estimates to compare recommendations and prices.

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 Yelp, BBB and Google Reviews 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.