9 best tree removal companies in Albany, Georgia

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 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, attempting to do it yourself could result in injury or property damage.

When you hire a reputable tree removal company in Albany, you'll have a skilled team to safely remove trees with specialized cutting techniques and equipment in accordance with local regulations.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Albany

Look for tree removal companies in Albany 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 Albany is comparatively high compared to other American cities. It's wise to get advice from a professional tree removal contractor if you spot any of these indicators:

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

If you notice raised dirt around the base of the trunk, or if the tree is starting to lean, it's at risk of falling. Contact a trusted tree removal provider right away if you see either of these signs, and have the tree professionally assessed.

What is a hazard tree?

When a tree has irreparable structural defects that put it at elevated risk of falling, it becomes a hazard tree, sometimes called a danger tree. A falling tree could damage or injure property, vehicles, pets and people. 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 on your property, 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 contractors can help with these other jobs:

• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will remain. You can grind the stump down so what's left of the tree can decompose. A more expensive option is to completely remove the stump, which guarantees the tree won't regrow.
• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as leaves, logs and branches. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• Wood chipping: A tree removal expert can use a wood chipper to shred the trunk and branches after the tree has been removed. Afterward, you can spread the mulch in your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals provide landscaping services. If you hire one of these companies, you could add a fresh tree or cover the space where the stump was located.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Albany

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

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A licensed arborist can assess your tree's condition and offer suitable solutions, such as restoring its health or safely removing it to mitigate fall risk. Arborists also provide guidance on planting, moving and pruning trees. Georgia 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 at least three years of experience and pass an exam to earn certification. ISA-certified arborists have the knowledge, experience and skills to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company carrying insurance for general liability, workers compensation and business liability. A contractor's insurance policy is a safety net for you, your property and the company's team members in case something goes wrong while they work. City and county governments often set their own tree removal licensing laws. A contractor in Albany doesn't need a state license if tree removal is the only service they offer. We recommend checking with the Albany government and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

By getting a tree risk assessment (TRA), you'll get a professional opinion on whether removing a tree is required. The assessment also details the risks of keeping a potentially hazardous tree. During the TRA, an arborist will assess a tree's likelihood of falling and the damage that could result. First, they'll visually evaluate the tree from a distance, looking for obvious damage signs. Next, they'll inspect the trunk, crown and roots by walking around the tree. Some arborists use special tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free estimates and consultations. We recommend getting more than one estimate to compare recommendations and prices.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask for tree removal company referrals from trusted friends, neighbors and family. Even when you get a referral, 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.