10 best tree removal companies in Hammond, Indiana

Healthy trees boost your home's curb appeal and bring welcome shade to your yard. However, unhealthy trees can present significant dangers to your property. If a tree is decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture, it may be necessary to remove it. Tree removal is also important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Turn to licensed professionals who have the right equipment and experience to safely remove hazard trees from your property.

Removing diseased trees and other trees with high fall risk is important for your property's safety. However, attempting to tackle the project yourself could lead to serious injury and expensive property damage.

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

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Hammond

Look for tree removal companies in Hammond 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 most advisable step. The number of decayed trees in Hammond is below average compared to other American cities. If you see any of the following signs, consider hiring a tree removal expert.

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

If you observe raised dirt around the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is beginning to lean, it's more likely to fall. If you notice either of these signs, contact a qualified tree removal expert right away to assess the damage and safely remove the tree before it can cause further damage.

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 poses a major risk to pets, vehicles, people and property. Signs of a structural defect include dead branches, rotten wood, loose bark, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, remove it as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal contractors provide a variety of additional services in addition to removing trees. These may include the following:

• Wood chipping: Tree removal teams often use wood chippers to break down tree trunks and branches. If you'd like, you can use the chips as mulch to promote plant growth in your garden.
• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain after a tree removal. A professional might recommend completely removing the stump based on the circumstances. They may also grind the stump 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.
• Debris removal: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover leaves, logs and branches away from your home.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals also offer landscaping services. When working with one of these companies, you could add a fresh tree or level the area where the stump was located.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Hammond

Use these considerations to make the best tree removal company decision for your needs.

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 evaluate 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 moving, pruning and planting trees. Indiana 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 knowledge, experience and skills to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, ensure it has comprehensive insurance, including general liability, workers compensation and business liability. 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 requirements. A contractor in Hammond doesn't need a state license if tree removal is the only service they offer. We recommend contacting Hammond building officials 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 evaluate whether tree removal is a good decision and can underscore the benefits of taking down 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 looking at the tree from afar for clear damage indicators. Next, they'll walk around the tree up close, inspecting its roots, crown and trunk. Some arborists use specialized equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Most tree removal companies provide complimentary consultations and price quotes. Get estimates from at least two providers and compare rates to find the best value.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends, neighbors and family for suggestions on reputable tree removal companies in your area. It's also wise to browse online reviews on sites like BBB, Google Reviews and Yelp.

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.