8 Tips for Choosing the Right Tree Removal Company in Fort Worth

Does your Fort Worth property have a tree that’s damaged, diseased, or simply in the wrong place? While tree removal might seem straightforward, choosing the right professional service requires careful consideration – especially in Fort Worth, where our unique climate and local regulations add extra complexity to the process.

Whether you’re dealing with a storm-damaged oak or a pecan tree threatening your foundation, knowing how to evaluate a tree removal company can mean the difference between a smooth, safe removal and a costly headache.

Key Takeaways:

• Tree removal is hazardous; look for a company with proper insurance that follows all safety precautions.
• Having an ISA Certified Arborist on staff indicates a higher level of expertise and understanding of proper tree care and techniques.
• Fort Worth’s status as a Tree City USA means you’ll need specific permits for tree removal, and trustworthy tree services will help you navigate these requirements rather than ignore them.
• Look for a service that uses modern equipment, such as cranes, bucket trucks, and advanced rigging equipment, to ensure a safe and efficient removal.
• A trustworthy service will not only provide clear written quotes and thorough cleanup, but they will also consider alternatives to removal when possible, such as cabling, fertilization, or pruning.

8 Factors to Consider When Hiring a Tree Removal Service

Many companies claim they can handle tree removal, but not all have the expertise to do it safely and efficiently. Choosing the wrong contractor can lead to costly mistakes, delays, or even property damage.

To avoid these risks, it’s essential to know what to look for when hiring a tree removal service in Fort Worth. Taking the time to vet a company’s qualifications upfront can save you major headaches down the road.

1. The Company Has Proper Insurance and Licenses

Tree care is one of the most dangerous fields for employees, especially if someone is doing more risky jobs like tree removal or pruning. While techniques and equipment can increase safety, the risk of accidents is always present. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates 110 fatalities per 100,000 tree care workers yearly. The rate is roughly 30 times higher than the average in the United States.

Due to the dangerous nature of the work, insurance is a must to cover accidents and injuries. Any trustworthy company will have liability and workers’ compensation insurance in case of accidents. Before hiring anyone, ask to see their certificate of insurance (COI).

2. Employs ISA Certified Arborists

ISA Certified Arborists are experts in tree care and have a greater understanding of their needs than most people. They are better able to analyze a tree, determine the best way to remove it, and then lead a team to bring the tree down safely.

Not every company employs an ISA Certified Arborist. While some without the credential can still perform tree care at a high level, hiring an arborist will assure you that your trees are in good hands.

3. Adheres to Fort Worth Permitting Requirements

Due to Fort Worth having the Tree City USA distinction, there are special permitting requirements for residents who plan to remove their trees. Depending on the type of tree you plan to remove and the size of your property, you will either need a City of Fort Worth permit or an Urban Forestry permit.

A trustworthy tree removal service will comply with any applicable permits (and some may even help you in the application process). Stay away from any company prepared to ignore our specific permitting requirements, as you could be risking a fine.

4. Comes Prepared with the Necessary Equipment

Tree removal has come a long way since the days of a few people with saws felling trees. Today, contractors have access to state-of-the-art technology that makes the job more efficient and safer. Some of the technologies we rely on to help with tree removal include:

• Tree Removal Cranes: Access to cranes allows us to easily remove hazardous trees and those in tight spaces. Cranes increase efficiency with difficult jobs, saving you money in the long run.
• Bucket Trucks: Bucket trucks allow workers to cut sections of the tree without climbing into the tree themselves, increasing safety and efficiency.
• Advanced Rigging Equipment: When we need to take a tree down in sections, we can use our advanced rigging equipment to slowly lower the pieces to the ground. Rigging equipment prevents the heavy pieces of wood from crashing into your yard, damaging it and any nearby objects.

5. Has Positive Reviews and Online Reputation

30 years ago, the only way to know if people were happy with a tree care service was to ask around for word-of-mouth reviews. Today, we have online reviews that help paint a picture of a company and how satisfied they leaves their customers.

See if any of the reviews mention tree removal services. If other people have positive things to say about it, you may have found the team that’s right for your needs.

6. Provides Clear Quotes

Some tree care companies that aren’t as reputable will try to be ambiguous with the price of the service. They may refuse to put your quote down in writing or pressure you into accepting the quote immediately. Then, when the bill comes due, you’ll find a bunch of hidden fees, or the cost isn’t even in the ballpark of what you agreed to.

Always get a written quote to know the project’s precise scope and cost.

7. Performs Thorough Cleanup

Oftentimes, a subtle but essential difference between the right and wrong tree removal company is its cleanup process. There is plenty of debris once the tree is gone, and some disreputable contractors will leave a mess in your yard and leave it for you to deal with.

During the initial consultation, ask about the cleanup process. If it doesn’t seem thorough enough, it may be a sign you should trust someone else to handle your needs.

8. Offers Alternatives Before Removing a Tree

An unhealthy-looking tree doesn’t always need to be removed. A reputable tree service will carefully assess its condition before making a recommendation. If the tree is too damaged or poses a safety risk, removal may be necessary. However, in many cases, a professional arborist can offer solutions to help restore its health, including:

• Installing cabling and bracing
• Fertilization
• Pruning
• Adding mulch around your tree
• Treating it for insects or diseases

Frequently Asked Questions About Tree Removal Companies in Fort Worth

We understand tree removal and finding the right company can be difficult, so we’ve compiled a list of the most common questions we get about the service to help you make your decision.

What affects the price of tree removal?

The price of the service can fluctuate wildly depending on several elements, including:

• The size of the tree
• The tree’s location
• How long the job will take
• The kind of specialized equipment we need
• The size of the team for the job

Should I just go with the cheapest tree removal company?

Tree removal can be expensive, and we understand the urge to choose the cheapest quote. But trying to save a buck today can lead to plenty of expenses and headaches, such as cleaning up a mess or paying out of pocket for damage from an accident.

What time of year is best for removing my tree?

Winter is the best time of year to eliminate a tree from your Fort Worth property, though professionals perform the service year-round. If you have a dangerous tree, we recommend having a professional take care of it as soon as possible to eliminate the risk of it falling and causing harm.

Do I need stump grinding after tree removal?

While some Fort Worth residents are happy to allow a stump to remain standing after tree removal, stump grinding benefits homeowners. You’ll eliminate an eyesore from your property and have more room to develop your landscape. Stumps can end up as tripping hazards on your property and will put up new growth for several years.

Find Out Why Arbor Masters is the Trusted Choice for Tree Removal in Fort Worth

When it comes to removing trees in Fort Worth, experience and expertise matter. Just as you wouldn’t trust your health to an unqualified doctor, your trees and the safety of your property deserve the attention of proven professionals. With our extensive experience in Fort Worth’s urban forest since 1960, state-of-the-art equipment, and ISA Certified Arborists on staff, Arbor Masters brings you the perfect combination of local knowledge and technical expertise.

From storm-damaged trees in Tanglewood to aging oaks in Rivercrest, we’ve safely handled thousands of removals across Fort Worth. Ready to discuss your tree removal needs with Fort Worth’s most trusted tree care experts? Call us today at 469-586-5829 or request a detailed quote online.