10 best tree removal companies in Shreveport, Louisiana

Healthy trees add to your home's curb appeal and offer a shady retreat in your yard. Unhealthy trees, however, can compromise your property. Tree removal may be necessary if it is decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture. Tree removal is also important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Licensed tree removal professionals in Shreveport can use their equipment and experience to help you 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, performing this task yourself increases the potential for physical harm and damage to your home.

Tree removal experts are trained in the proper cutting techniques and utilize specialized equipment to remove trees according to local ordinances and permit requirements. By partnering with a reputable tree removal company in Shreveport, you can have peace of mind that the job will be completed safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Shreveport

Look for tree removal companies in Shreveport 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 notice severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are encroaching on your house. The number of decayed trees in Shreveport is high compared to other American cities. Consider seeking advice from a tree removal specialist if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

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

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have structural defects which are beyond repair, increasing the chance of them falling. Falling trees can cause extensive property damage and seriously injure people and pets. Signs of structural defects include dead branches, large cracks, rotten wood, loose bark 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?

Apart from removing trees, some tree removal companies offer a variety of additional services, including these:

• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will be left. 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 logs, branches and leaves is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree section by section, 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: If you hire a tree removal company that provides landscaping services, the team could help fill leftover holes or plant a new, healthy tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Shreveport

Think about these factors to select the right 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 moving, pruning and planting trees for optimal growth and well-being. Arborists in Shreveport must be licensed with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. They can also pursue a private certification from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Certification requires three years of experience and passage of an exam. Licensed and ISA Certified arborists have the knowledge, skills and experience 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 coverage, including business liability, general liability and workers compensation. This coverage can financially protect you if an accident happens. In addition, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry requires all individuals who “work on trees for a fee” to hold an arborist license. Be sure to confirm that a potential tree removal service provider is licensed before hiring.

Request a tree risk assessment

By getting a tree risk assessment (TRA), you'll receive professional advice on whether removing a tree is required. The assessment also outlines the risks of keeping a potentially hazardous tree. After you call for a TRA, an arborist will assess your tree's potential to fall and what damage could result from a fall. The arborist will first visually assess the tree from a distance to look for obvious signs of damage. They will then circle around the tree to inspect its roots, crown and trunk. Some arborists use specific equipment to study the tree's insides.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask people you know for tree removal company recommendations. While suggestions from loved ones are helpful, it's important to read online reviews on Yelp, BBB 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.