Tree removal in Huntsville
Dead pines, split Bradford pears, oaks leaning toward the house. Tell us what you have and we will connect you with a crew that handles it.
Signs a tree should come down
- Large dead limbs, or bark falling off the trunk.
- A trunk that has split, cracked, or has a deep cavity.
- A new lean, especially with heaved soil or exposed roots on one side.
- Mushrooms or soft, crumbly wood at the base.
- Branches hanging over the roof that already dropped limbs in past storms.
Bradford pears are the usual suspect
Bradford pears were planted all over North Alabama subdivisions. Their branches grow upright from nearly the same spot on the trunk, which leaves weak joints. As the tree gets older and heavier, those joints split in wind, often down the middle of the tree. Extension agents generally recommend removing a mature Bradford pear once it starts breaking rather than trying to prune it back into shape.
Do you need a permit?
For a tree on your own residential lot, generally no city permit is needed. Two exceptions to check first:
- Right-of-way trees. Trees in the strip by the street can belong to the City of Huntsville. Those need city approval.
- HOA rules. Many subdivisions in Madison, Harvest and south Huntsville require architectural committee approval before removing a large tree.
Outside city limits in unincorporated Madison County, there is no county tree-removal permit. If you are unsure whether a tree is yours or the city's, ask the crew when they come to quote. They see this every week. More detail: Huntsville tree rules.
What happens when you call
- You describe the tree: type if you know it, rough height, and what is near it.
- We connect you with an insured crew that serves your area.
- The crew comes out, looks at the tree and gives you a written quote.
- You decide. There is no charge for the call or the quote.
Common questions
How do I know if a tree needs to come down?
The main signs are large dead limbs, a split or cracked trunk, a new lean with heaved soil, mushrooms or soft wood at the base, and repeated limb drops over the roof. A crew can confirm when they come out to quote.
How long does it take to remove a tree?
Most single residential trees take a few hours. A large tree over the house, or a job that needs a crane, can take most of a day.
Can I keep the wood?
Usually, yes. Ask the crew to cut it to firewood length and leave it. That can lower the price because they do not have to haul it away.
Do I have to be home for the job?
Not always, but be there for the quote so you can show the crew exactly what should come down and point out sprinkler lines, septic tanks or other things to avoid.