10 best tree removal companies in San Antonio, Texas

Healthy trees elevate your home's curb appeal and bring welcome shade to your yard. However, unhealthy trees can present significant dangers to your property. If a tree is diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture, you might need 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 who have the right equipment and experience to safely remove hazard trees from your property.

It's crucial to remove diseased trees, trees with high fall risk and trees that are damaging your foundation. However, performing this task yourself increases the potential for personal injury and property damage.

Tree removal experts know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized tools to remove trees according to local ordinances. By working with a reputable tree removal company in San Antonio, you can be more confident that the job will get done safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in San Antonio

Look for tree removal companies in San Antonio 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?

When a tree exhibits signs of severe damage or decay, or if its roots have gotten too close to your home, removal is often the best course of action. The number of decayed trees in San Antonio is above average compared to other major metro areas. Consider seeking advice from a tree removal expert if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

Leaning trees or trees with elevated soil surrounding the tree trunk base are more likely to fall. If you see either of these signs, contact a qualified tree removal expert right away to assess the damage and safely remove the tree before it can cause further damage.

What is a hazard tree?

When a tree has irreparable structural defects that put it at elevated risk of falling, it becomes a hazard tree, sometimes called a danger tree. A falling tree poses a significant risk to people, vehicles, pets and property. Rotten wood, large cracks, dead branches, loose bark and hollow cavities near the tree base are all indicators of structural defects. If you have a hazard tree on your property, don't wait to get it taken down as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal contractors provide a range of additional services beyond removing trees. These may include 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 remove the stump altogether, which guarantees the tree won't grow back.
• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as branches, logs and leaves. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• 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: Some tree removal companies provide landscaping services. These services might 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 San Antonio

To find the right tree removal company for your needs, keep these factors in mind.

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 planting, pruning and moving trees for optimal growth and well-being. Texas does not require arborists to get 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 help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Tree removal companies should carry an extensive insurance policy, including workers compensation, business liability and general liability. These policies help protect you, your property and the company’s workers in the event of an accident. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing laws. Texas doesn't license these companies at the state level. We recommend checking with the San Antonio government and your county to ensure a prospective contractor complies with the requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

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

Get a free estimate

Most tree removal companies provide complimentary consultations and estimates. Collect estimates from multiple providers and compare rates to find the best value.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask people you know for tree removal company suggestions. While referrals from trusted sources can be insightful, take time to read online reviews on BBB, Yelp and Google Reviews before making your choice.

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.