10 best tree removal companies in Waxhaw, North Carolina

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 diseased, decaying 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 equipment and experience to safely remove a tree from your property.

You should remove trees that are diseased, have a high fall risk, or which are compromising your foundation. However, trying to do it yourself could result in injury or property damage.

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

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Waxhaw

Look for tree removal companies in Waxhaw 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 growing too close to your house. The number of decayed trees in Waxhaw is high compared to other small towns. It's wise to contact a professional tree removal contractor if you observe any of these warning signs:

The tree's trunk or branches are cracked and won't heal. The tree is dropping far more needles, leaves, sap, branches or seeds than usual. The tree's roots are causing your home's foundation to crack or lift. The tree has pests, mold or diseases weakening its structure. 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.

Leaning trees and trees with elevated dirt surrounding their trunk bases are at higher risk of falling. If you notice either of these signs, contact a professional tree removal team right away to evaluate the damage and remove the tree before it causes harm.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, have structural defects beyond repair, making them more prone to fall. A falling tree poses a significant risk to property, vehicles, people and pets. Signs of a structural defect include rotten wood, loose bark, large cracks, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you suspect your property has a hazard tree, have it removed immediately.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal experts may offer a range of other services. In addition to their main focus removing trees, some companies can help with these other jobs:

• 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.
• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain once a tree removal job is complete. A professional might recommend removing the stump altogether based on the circumstances. They may also grind the stump so the tree's remnants decompose more easily. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that the tree won't grow back.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal contractors can use wood chippers to shred tree trunks and branches. You can use the chips to improve plant growth.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that provides landscaping services, the team could help fill up holes or add a healthy tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Waxhaw

Follow these steps to make the most informed tree removal company decision for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A licensed arborist can assess your tree's condition and offer appropriate solutions, such as restoring its health or safely removing it to mitigate fall risk. Arborists also provide guidance on pruning, moving and planting trees. North Carolina 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 help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, ensure it carries comprehensive insurance coverage, including general liability, business liability and workers compensation. This coverage safeguards 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 laws. A contractor in Waxhaw doesn't need a state license if tree removal is their only service. We recommend checking with the Waxhaw building department 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 receive expert recommendations on whether removing a tree is essential. The assessment also details 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 result. 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 roots, trunk and crown. Some arborists use advanced equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal contractors offer free estimates and consultations. Obtain quotes from several companies to assess their prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask for tree removal company referrals from trusted friends, family and neighbors. Even if someone you trust refers you, 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.