10 best tree removal companies in Waco, Texas

Healthy trees boost 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 who have the right equipment and experience to safely remove hazard trees from your property.

It's important 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 risky if done improperly. Trying to do the job by yourself could lead to property damage or personal injury.

Tree removal professionals are well-versed in the proper cutting techniques and use specialized machinery to remove trees according to local ordinances. By choosing a reputable tree removal company in Waco, you can be assured that the job will be completed safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Waco

Look for tree removal companies in Waco 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 are encroaching on your home, removal is often the most advisable step. The number of decayed trees in Waco is really high compared to other American cities. It's wise to get advice from a professional tree removal contractor if you observe any of these indicators:

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

Trees that are leaning or have elevated soil encircling the tree trunk base are at a high risk of falling. Contact a reputable tree removal company right away if you see either of these signs, and have the tree professionally examined.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have irreparable structural defects that make them more likely to fall. A falling tree poses a significant risk to vehicles, pets, people and property. Signs of 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, remove it right away.

What other tree services might you need?

In addition to removing trees, some tree removal companies offer a range of supplementary services, such as these:

• 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.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal professionals often use wood chippers to shred tree trunks and branches. If you choose, you can use the chips as mulch to nourish your garden plants.
• 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 remove the stump altogether in some cases. While this is more expensive than grinding, it guarantees the tree won't regrow.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals double as landscapers. If you hire one of these companies, you could install a replacement tree or level the area where the stump was located.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Waco

Think about these factors to find the right tree removal company for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

An arborist is a scientific specialist who can analyze your tree's requirements and advise you on the appropriate care. This can include restoring its health or taking it down if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for planting, pruning and transplanting trees. Texas 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 get certified. ISA-certified arborists have the knowledge, skills and experience to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, ensure it carries comprehensive insurance, including workers compensation, general liability and business liability. This coverage protects 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 requirements. A contractor in Waco doesn't need a state license if tree removal is the only service they offer. We recommend contacting Waco officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor meets all requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

To determine if removing a tree is the right choice, have a professional tree risk assessment (TRA). During a TRA appointment, an arborist will assess the chance the tree could fall and what damage could ensue. They'll begin by visually examining the tree from afar for clear damage indicators. Next, they'll walk around the tree up close, inspecting its trunk, crown and roots. Some arborists use specialized equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal contractors offer free estimates and consultations. Obtain quotes from multiple providers to assess their 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.