Professional Tree Removal Service in Atlanta, GA

An arborist can check the structural integrity and give you a percentage estimate of decay. The number matters for insurance claims, neighbor disputes, and permit applications. A visual inspection from the ground misses a lot, so get a professional out before you decide anything.

What the Removal Process Looks Like

Tree cutting isn't one uniform job. For trees with clear fall paths and open yard space, a standard felling cut works. However, if your tree is near a power line, roofline, or fence, the crew has to remove sections from the top down by rigging each piece with ropes to lower it on a controlled path. Here's what a standard removal involves:

• Site Assessment: The crew identifies hazards like buried utilities, overhead lines, or soft ground before the cuts are made.
• Sectional Removal or Full Fell: The choice is determined by space, proximity to structures, and tree condition.
• Debris Processing: Branches get chipped on-site, and trunk sections are cut down for hauling or left on the property if requested.
• Stump Work: Can be taken care of in the same visit in many cases.

The Permit Question Most Homeowners Skip

Atlanta and many surrounding municipalities require a permit to remove a healthy tree above a certain diameter. The threshold varies by jurisdiction, so what applies in Sandy Springs may differ from what Decatur or the City of Atlanta requires.

Removing a tree without a permit can trigger fines ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on species and size. Some protected species carry steeper penalties. A reputable tree service in Atlanta handles permit research as part of the job and knows which jurisdictions require an arborist sign-off versus a simple application.

If the tree is dead, diseased, or a documented hazard, many municipalities fast-track or waive the permit requirement. Get that determination in writing before the crew mobilizes. It protects you if a neighbor or code inspector raises questions after the work is done.

Stump Grinding vs. Full Stump Removal

After tree cutting, you have two options for what stays in the ground. Stump grinding shreds the stump down to a few inches below grade and leaves the root system intact to decompose. Full stump removal excavates the entire root ball, which is more labor-intensive and leaves a larger void to backfill.

For most residential situations, stump grinding is the practical call. The area can be replanted with grass or covered with mulch within a season. Full removal makes more sense in specific scenarios:

• You're pouring a concrete slab or laying a foundation in that exact area.
• The tree carried a disease transmitted through root contact, like oak wilt or armillaria root rot.
• You're replanting a tree in the same spot and need clean soil with no competing root mass.

Tree pruning and regular tree trimming can extend a tree's life for decades, but once it's down, the stump decision affects your landscaping options for a few years. 

Getting Multiple Quotes Without Getting Burned

The tree company in Atlanta you hire matters as much as the price. Low bids sometimes reflect missing insurance, unlicensed workers, or plans to leave debris behind. These are all costs that the homeowner ends up absorbing. This matters even more after a storm, when time pressure makes it tempting to skip insurance verification. 

When comparing quotes, make sure to look beyond the number. A detailed written estimate that breaks down labor, equipment, and debris removal gives you a clearer picture of what you're paying for and who you're hiring.

When You Need Someone Now

Emergency tree removal in Atlanta covers situations where a tree has already fallen on a structure, cracked at the trunk, or hangs at an angle that poses serious danger. The job requires different equipment, faster mobilization, and coordination with utility companies when lines are involved.

When you call for emergency service, have photos of the damage ready. You'll also need to provide your address, the best equipment access point, and your homeowner's insurance information. Most policies cover storm-related tree removal when a tree damages an insured structure, so document everything before the crew starts work. 

Routine tree service in Atlanta, including annual tree trimming and tree cutting, reduces the risk of storm damage by eliminating dead wood and improving canopy structure before bad weather hits. Tree care before a storm is a fraction of the cost of an emergency call after one.

Do You Need Help From a Local Tree Company in Atlanta, Georgia?

If you've got a tree that's causing trouble, Sesmas Tree Service is ready to take a look. We offer professional tree removal across the Atlanta metro area. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with a local arborist or tree care specialist. We're a tree service in Atlanta that can do the job right the first time, and our customers come back because of it.