10 best tree removal companies in Port St. Lucie, Florida

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 also helps mitigate the risk of wildfires in Port St. Lucie. Licensed professionals have the proper equipment and experience to remove a tree from your property safely.

You should prioritize removing trees that are diseased, have a high fall risk, or which are compromising your foundation. However, attempting to do it yourself could result in property damage or injury.

Tree removal specialists are trained in the proper cutting techniques and use specialized tools to remove trees in compliance with local regulations. By choosing a reputable tree removal company in Port St. Lucie, you can trust that the job will be completed safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Port St. Lucie

Look for tree removal companies in Port St. Lucie 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 observe severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are growing too close to your house. The number of decayed trees in Port St. Lucie is remarkably high compared to other parts of the country. If you see any of the following signs, consider hiring a tree removal expert.

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

Leaning trees or trees with raised dirt encircling the tree trunk base are at a high risk of falling. Contact a reputable tree removal company as soon as you can if you see either of these signs, and have the tree professionally evaluated.

What is a hazard tree?

When a tree has irreparable structural defects that put it at high risk of falling, it becomes a hazard tree, sometimes called a danger tree. Falling trees can pose a significant threat to property, vehicles, pets and people. Signs of structural defects include dead branches, rotten wood, loose bark, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you believe your property has a hazard tree, get it removed as soon as possible.

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:

• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will be left. You can grind the stump down so what's left of the tree can decompose. A more expensive option is to completely remove the stump, which guarantees the tree won't grow back.
• Wood chipping: A tree removal expert can use a wood chipper to break down the trunk and branches after the tree has been removed. Afterward, you can spread the mulch in your garden to enhance plant growth.
• 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.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that provides landscaping services, the team could help fill up holes or add a healthy tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Port St. Lucie

To find the best tree removal company for your needs, consider these factors.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A licensed arborist can assess your tree's condition and offer relevant solutions, such as restoring its health or safely removing it to mitigate fall risk. Arborists also offer guidance on planting, pruning and moving trees. Florida 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 skills, knowledge and experience to remove your tree.

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 is 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. A contractor in Port St. Lucie doesn't need a state license if tree removal is the only service they offer. We recommend contacting Port St. Lucie building officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor meets all requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you determine whether tree removal is a good decision and can underscore the benefits of removing a potentially hazardous tree. After you call for a TRA, an arborist will assess your tree's fall risk and what damage could result from a fall. The arborist will first look at the tree from a distance to search for obvious signs of damage. They will then walk around the tree to inspect its crown, roots and trunk. Some arborists use particular equipment to study the tree's insides.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask for tree removal company referrals from trusted friends, family and neighbors. Even when you get a referral, 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.