10 best tree removal companies in Summerville, South Carolina

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 Summerville can use their equipment and experience to help you safely remove a tree from your property.

It's essential 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 property damage.

Tree removal specialists understand the proper cutting techniques and utilize specialized tools to remove trees following local regulations. Choosing a reputable tree removal company in Summerville gives you confidence that the job will be performed safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Summerville

Look for tree removal companies in Summerville 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?

If a tree on your property has evidence of severe damage or decay, or if it's growing too close to your house, you may need to have it removed. The number of decayed trees in Summerville is high compared to other American cities. Contact a tree removal expert if you notice any of the following signs:

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

Leaning trees and trees with elevated dirt around their trunk bases are at higher risk of falling. If you see either of these signs, contact a qualified tree removal expert right away to review the damage and remove the tree before it causes harm.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, contain irreparable structural defects making them more likely to fall. A falling tree poses a significant risk to pets, property, vehicles and people. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include large cracks, loose bark, dead branches, rotten wood and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, remove it as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal companies offer a variety of services. In addition to removing trees, many companies offer the following:

• Wood chipping: Tree removal crews often use wood chippers to break down tree trunks and branches. If you'd like, you can use the chips as mulch to improve your other plants' growth.
• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as logs, leaves and branches. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain once a tree removal job is complete. A professional might recommend completely removing the stump based on the circumstances. They may also grind the stump down so the tree's remnants decompose more easily. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that the tree won't regrow.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals provide landscaping services. If you hire one of these companies, you could add a fresh tree or fill the hole where the stump was located.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Summerville

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

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A tree removal company's staff arborist is the go-to expert to get your tree care questions answered. They'll tap into their extensive scientific training to evaluate your tree's health and provide the necessary treatments, including restoration or removal if the tree poses a falling hazard. Arborists are also a valuable resource for advice on moving, planting and pruning 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, experience and skills 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, including general liability, business liability and workers compensation. This coverage safeguards you, your property and the company's employees if an accident occurs during the job. City and county governments often set their own tree removal licensing regulations. No state license is required for contractors in South Carolina that only remove trees. We recommend contacting the Summerville government 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 outlines the risks of keeping a potentially hazardous tree. To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by identifying clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll walk around the tree, closely inspecting the trunk, crown and roots. Sometimes, arborists use advanced gear to evaluate the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask people you trust to recommend reputable tree removal companies. Even with a referral from someone, it's still important to research a company's reputation by reading 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.