10 best tree removal companies in Spartanburg, South Carolina

Healthy trees can increase your home's curb appeal and bring shade to your yard, but unhealthy trees pose risks to your property. You may need to remove a tree if it's decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture. Tree removal is also essential for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Licensed professionals have the equipment and experience to remove a tree from your property safely.

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

When you hire a reputable tree removal company in Spartanburg, you'll have a skilled team to safely remove trees with specialized cutting techniques and equipment in accordance with local ordinances and permit requirements.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Spartanburg

Look for tree removal companies in Spartanburg 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 encroaching on your home. The number of decayed trees in Spartanburg is really high compared to other parts of the country. Consider contacting a tree removal specialist if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

If you notice raised dirt around the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is beginning to lean, it's in danger of falling. Contact a trusted tree removal provider right away if you see either of these signs, and have the tree professionally examined.

What is a hazard tree?

When a tree has irreparable structural defects that put it at significant risk of falling, it becomes a hazard tree, sometimes called a danger tree. A falling tree could seriously endanger people, vehicles, property and pets. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include large cracks, dead branches, rotten wood, loose bark and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it removed immediately.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal experts may offer a range of other services. In addition to their main focus removing trees, some companies can help with the following additional services:

• Stump removal: After cutting down a tree, only the stump is left. Depending on your budget and needs, a service professional can completely remove the stump 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 break down tree trunks and branches. You can keep the chips and spread them in your gardens as mulch.
• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as branches, leaves and logs. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal companies provide landscaping services. This could include filling the hole where the tree stump was or planting a new tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Spartanburg

Consider these factors to select the best tree removal company for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A licensed arborist can assess your tree's condition and offer relevant solutions, such as restoring its health or safely removing it to mitigate fall risk. Arborists also offer guidance on moving, pruning and planting trees. South 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 knowledge, skills and experience to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Tree removal companies should have 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. City and county governments often set their own tree removal licensing regulations. South Carolina doesn't license these companies at the state level. We recommend checking with the Spartanburg building department and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

By getting a tree risk assessment (TRA), you'll get a professional opinion on whether removing a tree is required. 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 walk around the tree, closely inspecting the trunk, roots and crown. Sometimes, arborists use specialized gear to study the tree's interior.

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 for tree removal company referrals from trusted friends, neighbors and family. Even if someone you trust refers you, take the time to read online reviews on BBB, Yelp 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.