10 best tree removal companies in Temple, Texas

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 proper equipment and experience to 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 personal injury and damage to your home.

Tree removal experts are knowledgeable about the proper cutting techniques and employ specialized equipment to remove trees following local ordinances and permit requirements. Partnering with a reputable tree removal company in Temple gives you confidence that the job will be performed safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Temple

Look for tree removal companies in Temple 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?

When a tree exhibits signs of severe damage or decay, or if its roots have gotten too close to your home, removal is often the optimal decision. The number of decayed trees in Temple is above average compared to other parts of the country. If you see any of the following warning signs, consider hiring a tree removal professional.

The tree is dropping an unusual amount of seeds, leaves, needles, sap or branches. The tree has diseases, mold or pests weakening its structure. The tree is visibly dead or severely burned. The tree or its branches are dangerously close to your home or another structure on your property. 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.

Leaning trees and trees with raised dirt around their trunk bases are much more likely to fall. Contact a reliable contractor right away if you see either of these signs, and have the tree professionally evaluated.

What is a hazard tree?

When a tree has irreparable structural defects that put it at elevated risk of falling, it becomes a hazard tree, sometimes called a danger tree. A falling tree could damage or injure pets, vehicles, people and property. 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 additional services beyond removing trees. These may include the following:

• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain following a tree removal. 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 quickly. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that the tree won't grow back.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal professionals often use wood chippers to chip tree trunks and branches. If you choose, you can use the chips as mulch to promote plant growth in your garden.
• Debris removal: Debris like leaves, logs and branches is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals also offer landscaping services. By choosing one of these companies, you could plant a new tree or level the area where the stump was located.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Temple

To select the best tree removal company for your needs, keep these factors in mind.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

An arborist is a scientific professional who can study your tree's requirements and advise you on the correct care. This can include rejuvenating its health or taking it down if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for pruning, transplanting and planting trees. Texas 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 skills, experience and knowledge to remove your tree.

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 is a safety net for you, your property and the company's team members in case something goes wrong while they work. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing regulations. No state license is required for contractors in Texas that only remove trees. We recommend contacting Temple officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor meets all requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

By getting a tree risk assessment (TRA), you'll get a professional opinion on whether removing a tree is essential. The assessment also details the risks of keeping a potentially hazardous tree. During the TRA, an arborist will determine a tree's likelihood of falling and the damage that could result. First, they'll visually evaluate the tree from a distance, looking for obvious damage signs. Next, they'll inspect the trunk, roots and crown by walking around the tree. Some arborists use special tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free estimates and consultations. We recommend getting multiple estimates to compare recommendations and prices.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask neighbors, family and friends for suggestions on nearby 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.