10 best tree removal companies in St. Clair Shores, Michigan

Healthy trees contribute to your home's curb appeal and create a shady retreat in your yard. Unhealthy trees, however, can threaten your property. Removing a tree may be necessary if it is diseased, decaying 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 St. Clair Shores can use their equipment and experience to help you safely remove a tree from your property.

Removing diseased trees and other trees with high fall risk is important for your property's safety. However, trying to tackle the project yourself could result in serious injury and costly property damage.

Tree removal professionals are trained in the proper cutting techniques and use specialized tools to remove trees following local regulations. By choosing a reputable tree removal company in St. Clair Shores, you can have peace of mind that the job will be completed safely and to a high standard.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in St. Clair Shores

Look for tree removal companies in St. Clair Shores 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 see severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are growing too close to your house. The number of decayed trees in St. Clair Shores is above average compared to other parts of the country. Consider contacting a tree removal specialist if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

Leaning trees and trees with elevated dirt surrounding their trunk bases are much more likely to fall. If you notice either of these signs, contact a professional tree removal team right away to assess the damage and safely remove the tree before it causes harm.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have irreparable structural defects that make them more likely to fall. Falling trees can pose a serious threat to property, pets, vehicles and people. Signs of a structural defect include rotten wood, large cracks, loose bark, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, have it removed as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

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

• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree limb by limb, they might use a wood chipper to further break the brush down. Consider giving the tree a second life by using the chips as mulch for your garden.
• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of branches, leaves and logs to clear. A contractor can use flatbeds or dump trucks to remove debris faster.
• Stump removal: After removing a tree, only the stump remains. Depending on your budget and needs, a service professional can remove the stump altogether 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 grow back.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that offers landscaping services, the team could help level holes or install a fresh tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in St. Clair Shores

Find the right tree removal company for your job using these considerations.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A licensed arborist can assess your tree's health and offer appropriate solutions, such as restoring its health or safely removing it to mitigate fall risk. Arborists also provide guidance on planting, pruning and moving trees. Michigan doesn't have arborist licensing rules, 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 get certified. ISA-certified arborists have the skills, knowledge and experience to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company with insurance covering workers compensation, business liability and general liability. A contractor's insurance policy is a safety net for you, your property and the company's team members in case something goes wrong while they work. City and county governments often set their own tree removal licensing requirements. A contractor in St. Clair Shores doesn't need a state license if tree removal is the only service they offer. We recommend contacting St. Clair Shores building officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

To determine if removing a tree is the best choice, have a tree risk assessment (TRA). During the TRA, an arborist will determine a tree's likelihood of falling and the damage that could result. First, they'll inspect the tree from a distance, looking for obvious damage signs. Next, they'll inspect the crown, trunk and roots by circumnavigating the tree. Some arborists use specific tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

Most tree removal companies provide complimentary consultations and estimates. Get estimates from at least two providers and compare rates to find the best value.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask family, friends and neighbors for suggestions on reputable tree removal companies in your area. It's also wise to read online reviews on sites like Yelp, BBB and Google Reviews.

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.