10 best tree removal companies in Rock Hill, South Carolina

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 crucial for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Licensed professionals have the equipment and experience to safely remove a tree from your property.

It's important to remove diseased trees, trees with high fall risk and trees that are damaging your foundation. However, undertaking this task yourself increases the potential for physical harm and property damage.

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

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Rock Hill

Look for tree removal companies in Rock Hill 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?

If a tree on your property shows indications of severe damage or decay, or if it's growing too close to your house, you may need to have it removed. The number of decayed trees in Rock Hill is comparatively high compared to other parts of the country. It's wise to speak with a professional tree removal contractor if you spot any of these alerts:

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

If you notice raised dirt around the base of the trunk, or if the tree is beginning to lean, it's more likely to fall. If you notice either of these signs, contact a qualified tree removal expert right away to assess the damage and safely remove the tree before it causes harm.

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. A falling tree poses a significant risk to vehicles, people, property and pets. Signs of structural defects include loose bark, rotten wood, dead branches, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, don't wait to have 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 remain. 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 regrow.
• 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.
• Wood chipping: A tree removal expert can use a wood chipper to shred the trunk and branches following the tree's removal. Afterward, you can use the chips in your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal companies provide landscaping services. This could include leveling and repurposing the area where the tree stump was or planting a new tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Rock Hill

Consider these factors to select the right tree removal company for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

An arborist is a scientific expert who can examine your tree's requirements and advise you on the correct care. This can include revitalizing its health or taking it down if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for pruning, transplanting and planting trees. South Carolina does not require arborists to be licensed, 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 help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, ensure it has comprehensive insurance, including workers compensation, general liability and business liability. This coverage can financially protect you if an accident happens. City and county governments often set their own tree removal licensing requirements. No state license is required for contractors in South Carolina that only remove trees. We recommend checking with the Rock Hill building department and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

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. During a TRA appointment, an arborist will determine the chance the tree could fall and what damage could ensue. They'll begin by visually examining the tree from afar for clear damage indicators. Next, they'll circle the tree up close, inspecting its roots, crown and trunk. Some arborists use advanced equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask neighbors, family and friends for suggestions on reputable tree removal services near you. It's also wise to browse online reviews on sites like Google Reviews, BBB and Yelp.

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.