10 best tree removal companies in Sterling Heights, Michigan

Healthy trees enhance your home's curb appeal and bring welcome shade to your yard. However, unhealthy trees can pose serious risks to your property. If a tree is diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture, you might need to remove it. Tree removal is also important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Entrust the job to licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience to safely remove hazard trees from your property.

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

Tree removal specialists are well-versed in the proper cutting techniques and employ specialized equipment to remove trees following local ordinances and permit requirements. By choosing a reputable tree removal company in Sterling Heights, you can have peace of mind that the job will be completed safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Sterling Heights

Look for tree removal companies in Sterling Heights 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 displaying evidence of severe damage or decay, or if it’s encroaching on your home. The number of decayed trees in Sterling Heights is high compared to other parts of the country. It's wise to contact a professional tree removal contractor if you notice any of these indicators:

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

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 reliable contractor 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. Falling trees can cause extensive property damage and gravely hurt people and pets. Rotten wood, large cracks, loose bark, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base are all indicators of structural defects. If you have a hazard tree on your property, have it removed as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal companies provide an assortment of extra services beyond cutting down trees. These may include the following:

• Debris removal: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover logs, leaves and branches away from your home.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal contractors can use wood chippers to break down tree trunks and branches. You can use the chips as mulch for your flower beds.
• 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 completely remove the stump, which guarantees the tree won't grow back.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals double as landscapers. When working with one of these companies, you could add a fresh tree or cover the space where the stump was located.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Sterling Heights

To choose the right tree removal company for your needs, keep these factors in mind.

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 planting, pruning and moving trees for optimal growth and well-being. 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 earn 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 has comprehensive insurance coverage, including general liability, business liability and workers compensation. This coverage protects you, your property and the company's employees if an accident occurs during the job. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing regulations. A contractor in Sterling Heights doesn't need a state license if tree removal is all they offer. We recommend contacting the Sterling Heights building department and your county to ensure a prospective contractor complies with the requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you decide whether tree removal is the right step and can underscore the benefits of removing 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 consultations and estimates. We recommend getting multiple estimates to compare recommendations and prices.

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 Google Reviews, Yelp and BBB.

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.