Dead Tree Removal in Birmingham, AL

A dead or badly damaged tree near your house should come down before the next storm does it for you. We look at the tree, tell you honestly how risky it is, and take it down in sections so nothing lands on the roof, the car or the neighbor’s fence. Call (205) 871-3617 – the estimate is free.

Warning signs to look for

No leaves in spring, or leaves on only part of the tree.
Bark falling off in sheets, or fine sawdust in the bark crevices of a pine.
Mushrooms or conks growing at the base or on the trunk.
A crack in the trunk, or a split where two big stems meet.
A new lean, especially with soil heaving up on the other side of the root plate.
Large dead limbs in the crown, or limbs hanging broken after a storm.

If you see one of these, take a photo and send it to us – often we can tell you from the photo whether it needs a visit right away.

Dead pines and sick oaks

The most common dead trees we take down in Birmingham are loblolly pines killed by bark beetles. After a hot, dry summer, stressed pines get attacked; the needles turn yellow, then red-brown, and within weeks the tree is dead. A dead pine dries out and gets brittle fast, which makes it more dangerous to climb the longer it stands.

Oaks die more slowly. Water oaks in particular, common in older neighborhoods like Homewood, often rot from the inside while the crown still looks green. Mushrooms at the base, dead limbs at the top and hollow-sounding wood are the clues.

How we remove a hazardous tree

A dead tree cannot be trusted the way a live one can – dead limbs snap without warning and rotten wood doesn’t hold rigging well. On those trees we often bring in a crane instead of climbing, or take the tree down from the ground in controlled pieces. The work is planned so that nothing falls where it shouldn’t, and we clean up everything afterward.

Dead tree questions

Is a dead tree dangerous?

Yes, more every month it stands. Dead wood dries out and breaks under its own weight, and the roots rot and lose their hold. A dead tree within reach of the house should be removed.

Will my homeowners insurance pay to remove a dead tree?

Usually not for a tree that is simply dead – insurers see that as maintenance. They generally cover trees that fall on the house or another covered structure. Check your policy.

Can a tree be saved if half of it is dead?

Sometimes. If the dead part is a few limbs, pruning them out may be enough. If the trunk or roots are rotten, removal is the safe choice. We will look and tell you which it is.

Do I need a permit to remove a dead tree?

On most private property, no. Some cities, including Homewood, have tree rules – dead and hazardous trees are usually treated differently, but check with the city if your tree may be covered.

Reviews

What customers say about the work

4.9 · 58 Google reviews

He was able to come out quickly to cut down a large rotten tree in my backyard. I had a few quotes before settling on RJ and he had the best price and was the most friendly person we had come by. He’s very friendly and professional and did a wonderful job. 10/10 recommend, if I ever have another tree issue I’ll definitely call RJ and his team.

Francesca Bryant on Google

Extremely professional, timely, and did more than the job they quoted. they went above and beyond, and I could not be more pleased with the work that was done. I have/will continue to recommend them to anyone who asks for tree services. Not only did they clear my trees dead limbs, they also cleared the vines from my tree which was not asked of them.

Amanda Holstein on Google

Great work. Professional & efficient. Mr. Wesley was very careful in making sure that my neighbor’s garden wasn’t damaged, and his team did a great job cleaning up at the end. Second time we’ve used RJ Tree Service; we highly recommend them.

Carlos Izcaray on Google