10 best tree removal companies in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

While healthy trees elevate your home's curb appeal and give your yard cooling shade, unhealthy trees create safety concerns for your property. If a tree is diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture, you may need to remove it. Tree removal is also important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. To ensure your hazardous tree gets removed safely, hire licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience.

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

Tree removal experts understand the proper cutting techniques and utilize specialized equipment to remove trees in accordance with local regulations. Working with a reputable tree removal company in Tuscaloosa gives you confidence that the job will be executed safely and to the highest standards.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Tuscaloosa

Look for tree removal companies in Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa is relatively high compared to other parts of the country. Seek advice from a tree removal professional if you see any of the following signs:

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

If you spot raised dirt around the base of the trunk, or if the tree is starting to lean, it's in danger of falling. If you see either of these signs, contact a professional tree removal team right away to assess the damage and safely remove the tree before it can cause further damage.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, contain irreparable structural defects making them more prone to fall. Falling trees can cause considerable property damage and seriously injure people and pets. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include dead branches, large cracks, loose bark, rotten wood and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it removed immediately.

What other tree services might you need?

Beyond cutting down trees, some tree removal companies offer a range of supplementary services, such as the following:

• Stump removal: After cutting down a tree, only the stump is left. Depending on your budget and needs, a service professional can completely remove the stump 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.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal professionals can use wood chippers to break down tree trunks and branches. You can use the chips as mulch for your flower beds.
• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as logs, branches and leaves. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals double as landscapers. When working with one of these companies, you could plant a new tree or cover the space where the stump was located.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Tuscaloosa

Find the right tree removal company for your job by considering 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 offer guidance on moving, pruning and planting trees. Alabama does not require arborists to get 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 experience, skills and knowledge to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company with insurance covering general liability, business 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. To become a licensed tree surgeon in the state of Alabama, individuals must obtain a Horticulture Professional Services License from the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries. Ensure that your tree removal service provider is properly licensed before hiring.

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 presents the risks of keeping a potentially hazardous tree. During a TRA appointment, an arborist will determine the chance the tree could fall and what damage could ensue. They'll begin by looking at the tree from afar for clear damage indicators. Next, they'll circle the tree up close, inspecting its trunk, roots and crown. Some arborists use specialized equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Most tree removal companies provide complimentary consultations and price quotes. Collect quotes from multiple providers and compare rates to find the best value.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask people you know for tree removal contractor referrals. While referrals from trusted sources can be valuable, it's still wise to read online reviews on Yelp, BBB and Google Reviews before making your choice.

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.