10 Best Tree Removal Companies in Raleigh, NC - USA Today (2024)

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 important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Licensed professionals have the right equipment and experience to safely remove a tree from your property.

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

Tree removal experts are knowledgeable about the proper cutting techniques and utilize specialized machinery to remove trees while adhering to local regulations. Choosing a reputable tree removal company in Raleigh ensures that the job will be completed safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Raleigh

Look for tree removal companies in Raleigh 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?

If a tree on your property has evidence of severe damage or decay, or if it's growing too close to your house, you may need to have it removed. The number of decayed trees in Raleigh is average compared to other major metro areas. Consider seeking advice from a tree removal expert if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

If you notice raised dirt close to the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is visibly starting to lean, it's at risk of falling. If you notice either of these signs, contact a qualified tree removal expert right away to assess 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 pose a considerable threat to property, people, vehicles and pets. Signs of structural defects include large cracks, rotten wood, loose bark, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree in your yard, have it removed as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal companies offer a variety of services. In addition to removing trees, many companies offer the following:

• Stump removal: After removing 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: A tree removal specialist can use a wood chipper to chip the trunk and branches following the tree's removal. Afterward, you can spread the mulch in your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Debris removal: Debris like logs, branches and leaves is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that provides landscaping services, the team could help level holes or add a healthy tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Raleigh

To choose the right tree removal company for your needs, consider these factors.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

Arborists are expert consultants that help you care for your trees. They may recommend restoring the tree's health or removal if a tree has a high fall risk. Arborists can also offer valuable insights on pruning, planting and moving trees to help them grow properly and last for years. North Carolina 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 obtain the certification. ISA-certified arborists have the skills, experience and knowledge to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Tree removal providers should have extensive insurance coverage, including business liability, general liability and workers compensation. These policies help protect you, your property and the company’s workers in the event of an accident. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing requirements. North Carolina doesn't license these companies at the state level. We recommend contacting the Raleigh government and your county to ensure a prospective contractor complies with the requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you determine whether tree removal is the best course of action and highlights the benefits of removing 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 circle the tree up close, inspecting its roots, crown and trunk. Some arborists use advanced equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

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