10 best tree removal companies in Royal Oak, Michigan

While healthy trees improve your home's curb appeal and give your yard welcome shade, unhealthy trees present potential hazards to your property. If a tree is diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture, you may need to remove it. Tree removal is also important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. To ensure your hazardous tree gets removed safely, hire licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience.

It's essential 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 injury and damage to your home.

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

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Royal Oak

Look for tree removal companies in Royal Oak 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 has evidence 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 Royal Oak is high compared to other American cities. If you see any of the following signs, consider hiring a tree removal expert.

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

If you notice raised dirt around the base of the trunk, or if the tree is starting to lean, it's in danger of falling. Contact a tree removal professional immediately to evaluate the tree and safely remove it if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, have irreparable structural defects making them more prone to fall. Falling trees can cause significant property damage and severely harm people and pets. Signs of a structural defect include large cracks, rotten wood, dead branches, loose bark and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you believe your property has a hazard tree, get it removed immediately.

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:

• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of branches, leaves and logs to get off your property. A contractor can use flatbeds or dump trucks to remove debris faster.
• Stump removal: After cutting down a tree, only the stump remains. Based on your budget and needs, a service professional can remove the stump altogether or grind it down so what's left of it will decompose. Removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees the tree won't regrow.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal professionals can use wood chippers to shred tree trunks and branches. You can use the chips as mulch for your flower beds.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that provides landscaping services, the team could help level holes or add a healthy tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Royal Oak

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

Arborists are expert consultants that help you care for your trees. They may recommend restoring the tree's health or removal if a tree has a high fall risk. Arborists can also offer valuable insights on pruning, planting and moving trees to help them grow properly and last for years. 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 three years of field experience and pass an exam to earn certification. ISA-certified arborists have the experience, knowledge and skills to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, make sure it carries comprehensive insurance coverage, 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 Michigan that only remove trees. We recommend checking with Royal Oak officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

To determine if removing a tree is the right choice, have a tree risk assessment (TRA). 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 circumnavigating the tree. Some arborists use specific tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

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 for tree removal company referrals from trusted family, friends and neighbors. 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.