10 best tree removal companies in Watauga, Texas

While healthy trees enhance your home's curb appeal and give your yard refreshing shade, unhealthy trees pose significant risks for your property. If a tree is decaying, diseased 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, call on licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience.

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

Tree removal experts know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized tools to remove trees according to local ordinances and permit requirements. By working with a reputable tree removal company in Watauga, you can have more confidence that the job will get done safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Watauga

Look for tree removal companies in Watauga 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 shows signs of severe damage or decay, or if its roots have gotten too close to your home, removal is often the best course of action. The number of decayed trees in Watauga is below average compared to other parts of the country. If you notice any of the following warning signs, consider hiring a tree removal expert.

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

If you see raised dirt near the tree trunk's base, or if the tree is visibly starting to lean, it's at a high risk of falling. If you notice either of these signs, contact a qualified tree removal expert right away to review the damage and remove the tree before it can cause further damage.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have irreparable structural defects that make them more likely to fall. Falling trees can cause significant property damage and severely harm people and pets. Signs of a structural defect include dead branches, rotten wood, large cracks, loose bark and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, don't wait to have it removed as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal contractors offer an assortment of additional services apart from cutting down trees. These may include the following:

• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will be left. You can grind the stump down so it will more easily decompose. A more expensive option is to remove the stump altogether, which guarantees the tree won't regrow.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal contractors can use wood chippers to shred tree trunks and branches. You can use the chips as mulch for your flower beds.
• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of branches, logs and leaves to get off your property. A contractor can use flatbeds or dump trucks to remove debris faster.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that offers landscaping services, the team could help level holes or install a fresh tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Watauga

Think about these factors to select the best tree removal company for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

An arborist is a scientific expert who can examine your tree's needs and advise you on the proper care. This can include revitalizing its health or removing it if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for transplanting, pruning 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 obtain the certification. ISA-certified arborists have the experience, knowledge 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, workers compensation and business liability. This coverage can financially protect you if an accident happens. City and county governments often set their own tree removal licensing regulations. No state license is required for contractors in Texas that only remove trees. We recommend checking with the Watauga government and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

A tree risk assessment (TRA) can help you confirm if removing a potentially dangerous tree is necessary. To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by searching for clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll walk around the tree, closely inspecting the trunk, crown and roots. Sometimes, arborists use specialized gear to study the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free consultations and estimates. Get estimates from at least two companies to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask for tree removal company referrals from trusted family, friends and neighbors. Even if someone you trust refers you, take the time to read online reviews on Yelp, BBB 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.