10 best tree removal companies in Sanford, North Carolina

While healthy trees enhance your home's curb appeal and give your yard cooling shade, unhealthy trees present potential hazards to your property. If a tree is decaying, diseased 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.

You should remove trees that are diseased, have a high fall risk, or which are damaging your foundation. However, attempting to do it yourself could lead to property damage or injury.

Tree removal specialists have expertise in the proper cutting techniques and use specialized tools to remove trees following local ordinances and permit requirements. By choosing a reputable tree removal company in Sanford, you can trust that the job will be completed safely and to a high standard.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Sanford

Look for tree removal companies in Sanford 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 optimal decision. The number of decayed trees in Sanford is below average compared to other parts of the country. If you observe any of the following signs, contact a tree removal professional.

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

Leaning trees and trees with raised dirt surrounding their trunk bases are much more likely to fall. Contact a reputable tree removal company right away if you notice either of these signs, and have the tree professionally assessed.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have irreparable structural defects that make them prone to falling. A falling tree poses a substantial risk to pets, vehicles, people and property. Signs of a structural defect include loose bark, dead branches, rotten wood, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you suspect your property has a hazard tree, get it removed as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal contractors provide a variety of supplementary services in addition to cutting down trees. These may include the following:

• Debris removal: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover branches, logs and leaves away from your home.
• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will remain. 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 regrow.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal professionals often use wood chippers to chip tree trunks and branches. If you choose, you can use the chips as mulch to promote plant growth in your garden.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals double as landscapers. If you hire one of these companies, you could install a replacement tree or fill the hole where the stump was located.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Sanford

Use these factors to find the best tree removal company 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 health restoration services for your tree or removal if a tree has a high fall risk. Arborists can also offer valuable insights on planting, moving and pruning trees for optimal growth and well-being. North Carolina 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 obtain the certification. ISA-certified arborists have the experience, skills and knowledge to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, make sure it carries comprehensive insurance, including business liability, general liability and workers compensation. This coverage can financially protect you if an accident happens. City and county governments often set their own tree removal licensing regulations. A contractor in Sanford doesn't need a state license if tree removal is all they offer. We recommend contacting the Sanford government 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, get a professional tree risk assessment (TRA). During a TRA appointment, an arborist will assess 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 walk around the tree up close, inspecting its crown, roots and trunk. Some arborists use advanced equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer a free consultation and services estimate. Get estimates from at least two companies to compare prices and recommendations.

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 BBB, Google Reviews and Yelp 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.