10 best tree removal companies in Tampa, Florida

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 also helps mitigate the risk of wildfires in Tampa. Licensed professionals have the right equipment and experience to safely remove a tree from your property.

It's crucial to get rid of diseased trees with higher fall risk, as well as trees impacting your home's foundation and structural integrity. The task, however, is extremely dangerous if done improperly. Attempting to do the job by yourself could result in personal injury or property damage.

Tree removal experts have expertise in the proper cutting techniques and employ specialized tools to remove trees following local regulations. By partnering with a reputable tree removal company in Tampa, 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 Tampa

Look for tree removal companies in Tampa 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 observe severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are encroaching on your house. The number of decayed trees in Tampa is below average compared to other parts of the country. It's wise to speak with a professional tree removal contractor if you observe any of these warning signs:

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

Trees that are leaning or have elevated soil encircling the tree trunk base are more likely to fall. Contact a reliable contractor 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. Falling trees can pose a significant threat to property, pets, vehicles and people. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include large cracks, loose bark, rotten wood, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you think your property has a hazard tree, have it removed immediately.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal contractors provide a variety of additional services beyond removing trees. These may include the following:

• Stump removal: After the team finishes removing your tree, only the stump will remain. You can choose to grind down the stump so what's left of the tree will decompose. A contractor can also completely remove the stump in some cases. While this is more expensive than grinding, it guarantees the tree won't regrow.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal teams often use wood chippers to shred tree trunks and branches. If you'd like, you can use the chips as mulch to nourish your garden plants.
• Debris removal: Debris like branches, leaves and logs is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that provides landscaping services, the team could help level holes or add a healthy tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Tampa

Find the right tree removal company for your project based on these factors.

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. Florida doesn't have arborist licensing rules, 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 earn certification. ISA-certified arborists have the knowledge, skills and experience to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company insured for business liability, general liability and workers compensation. A contractor's insurance policy serves as 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. No state license is required for contractors in Florida that only remove trees. We recommend checking with the Tampa government and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you determine whether tree removal is a good decision and highlights the benefits of taking down a potentially hazardous tree. To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by identifying clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll circle around the tree, closely inspecting the roots, crown and trunk. Sometimes, arborists use advanced gear to evaluate 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 neighbors, family and friends. Even when you get a referral, 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.