8 best tree removal companies in Columbus, 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.

It's crucial to remove diseased trees, trees with high fall risk and trees that are damaging your foundation. However, doing this task yourself increases the potential for personal injury and property damage.

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

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Columbus

Look for tree removal companies in Columbus 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 notice severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are encroaching on your house. The number of decayed trees in Columbus is average compared to other American cities. If you notice any of the following warning signs, consider hiring a tree removal specialist.

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

Leaning trees and trees with raised dirt surrounding their trunk bases are at higher risk of falling. Contact a reputable tree removal company as soon as you can if you observe either of these signs, and have the tree professionally examined.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, contain irreparable structural defects making them more likely to fall. Falling trees can cause significant property damage and gravely hurt people and pets. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include large cracks, dead branches, rotten wood, 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?

Apart from cutting down trees, some tree removal companies offer a variety of supplementary services, including these:

• 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 down so the tree's remnants decompose more quickly. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that the tree won't grow back.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal professionals can use wood chippers to shred tree trunks and branches. You can use the chips as mulch for your flower beds.
• Debris removal: Debris like branches, logs and leaves is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can level holes left over from stump removal or plant a new tree where your old one stood.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Columbus

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

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A tree removal company's staff arborist is the right expert to get your tree care questions answered. They'll tap into their extensive scientific training to examine your tree's specific needs and provide the necessary treatments, including restoration or removal if the tree poses a falling hazard. Arborists are also a valuable resource for advice on planting, moving and pruning trees. Georgia 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 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, make sure it has comprehensive insurance coverage, including general liability, business liability and workers compensation. This coverage protects you, your property and the company's employees if an accident occurs during the job. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing regulations. Georgia doesn't license these companies at the state level. We recommend contacting the Columbus building department and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

To determine if removing a tree is necessary, get a tree risk assessment (TRA). During the TRA, an arborist will determine a tree's likelihood of falling and the damage that could result. First, they'll inspect the tree from a distance, looking for obvious damage signs. Next, they'll inspect the trunk, roots and crown by circumnavigating the tree. Some arborists use specific tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer a free consultation and services estimate. Get estimates from more than one company to compare 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 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.