10 best tree removal companies in Southgate, Michigan

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 diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture, it may be necessary 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 crucial to remove diseased trees with higher fall risk, as well as trees impacting your home's foundation and structural integrity. The task, however, is very hazardous if done improperly. Attempting to do the job by yourself could lead to personal injury or property damage.

Tree removal experts are well-versed in the proper cutting techniques and employ specialized tools to remove trees following local regulations. By partnering with a reputable tree removal company in Southgate, you can be assured that the job will be completed safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Southgate

Look for tree removal companies in Southgate 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?

You should trim or remove a tree if it’s showing signs of severe damage or decay, or if it’s growing too close to your home. The number of decayed trees in Southgate is relatively high compared to other small towns. Contact a tree removal expert if you see any of the following signs:

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

Trees that are leaning or have elevated soil around the tree trunk base are at a high risk of falling. Contact a tree removal service 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 likely to fall. Falling trees can pose a significant threat to people, pets, property and vehicles. Rotten wood, dead branches, large cracks, loose bark and hollow cavities near the tree base are all indicators of structural defects. If you believe your property has a hazard tree, schedule a tree removal service as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

In addition to cutting down trees, some tree removal companies offer a variety of supplementary services, such as these:

• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as logs, branches and leaves. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will be left. You can grind the stump down so what's left of the tree can decompose. A more expensive option is to remove the stump altogether, which guarantees the tree won't regrow.
• Wood chipping: A tree removal expert can use a wood chipper to shred the trunk and branches once the tree is cut down. Afterward, you can use the chips in your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can help you fill holes left over from stump removal or plant a healthy tree where your old one stood.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Southgate

To select the best tree removal company for your needs, consider these factors.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

Arborists are scientific experts 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 for optimal growth and well-being. Michigan 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 at least three years of experience and pass an exam to earn certification. ISA-certified arborists have the skills, knowledge and experience to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, ensure it carries comprehensive insurance coverage, including general liability, business liability and workers compensation. This coverage can financially protect you if an accident happens. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing laws. A contractor in Southgate doesn't need a state license if tree removal is all they offer. We recommend contacting the Southgate building department and your county to ensure a prospective contractor complies with the requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

By getting a tree risk assessment (TRA), you'll get a professional opinion on whether removing a tree is essential. The assessment also presents the risks of keeping a potentially hazardous tree. To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by searching for clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll circle around the tree, closely inspecting the roots, trunk and crown. Sometimes, arborists use advanced gear to evaluate the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free consultations and estimates. Get estimates from more than one company to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask family, neighbors and friends for recommendations for tree removal companies in your area. It's also wise to check 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.