10 best tree removal companies in Pontiac, Michigan

Healthy trees elevate your home's curb appeal and give welcome shade to your yard. However, unhealthy trees can pose serious risks to your property. If a tree is decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture, it may be necessary to remove it. Tree removal is also important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Turn to licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience to safely remove hazard trees from your property.

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

Tree removal specialists are knowledgeable about the proper cutting techniques and use specialized equipment to remove trees in accordance with local ordinances and permit requirements. Choosing a reputable tree removal company in Pontiac gives you confidence that the job will be completed safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Pontiac

Look for tree removal companies in Pontiac 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 Pontiac is above average compared to other parts of the country. Consider getting an estimate from a tree removal professional if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

Leaning trees and trees with elevated dirt around their trunk bases are much more likely to fall. Contact a tree removal contractor immediately to assess the tree and safely remove it if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have irreparable structural defects that make them prone to falling. Falling trees can cause considerable property damage and gravely hurt people and pets. Rotten wood, dead branches, loose bark, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base are all indicators of structural defects. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it removed right away.

What other tree services might you need?

In addition to removing trees, some tree removal companies offer a range of additional services, including the following:

• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree section by section, 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.
• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will be left. You can grind the stump down so it will more easily decompose. A more expensive option is to completely remove the stump, which guarantees the tree won't grow back.
• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as leaves, branches and logs. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can assist in covering 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 Pontiac

Use these considerations to make the best tree removal company decision for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

An arborist is a scientific professional who can examine your tree's requirements and advise you on the appropriate care. This can include revitalizing its health or removing it if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for pruning, transplanting and planting trees. Michigan 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 get certified. ISA-certified arborists have the experience, skills and knowledge to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company with insurance covering workers compensation, business liability 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. City and county governments often set their own tree removal licensing laws. A contractor in Pontiac doesn't need a state license if tree removal is the only service they offer. We recommend checking with Pontiac officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you evaluate whether tree removal is the right step and highlights the benefits of removing a potentially hazardous tree. During the TRA, an arborist will determine a tree's likelihood of falling and the damage that could result. First, they'll inspect the tree from a distance, looking for obvious damage signs. Next, they'll inspect the crown, roots and trunk by walking 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. We recommend getting at least two estimates to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask family, friends and neighbors for recommendations for tree removal companies in your area. It's also wise to check online reviews on sites like Yelp, BBB 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.