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TRUSTED BY HIGHLANDS, NC HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.6
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon152
    Verified arboricultural services reviews

Top-Rated Arborists in Highlands - Updated Nov 2026

Avatar for Franco Landscaping, Hardscaping & Maintaining
Franco Landscaping, Hardscaping & Maintaining
5.0(
34
)
Tree RemovalTree TrimmingTree Removal - For Business+1 more

Serving Highlands, NC and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Customers say: True professional

"I have been using Franciscoâ s services for several months. He takes care of my airbnb and has done a lot of work at my main home, cleaned gutters, cut down several dead trees, ground down all the stumps and overall yard maintenance. He and his employees do excellent work and are very polite. I highly recommend him, you will not be disappointed!"
My Projects
My Projects
My Projects
My Projects
My Projects

+18

Response time3 hrs
Response rate98%
43 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Holly Forest Tree Service
Holly Forest Tree Service
5.0(
11
)
Tree RemovalTree Stump - RemoveTree Trimming+5 more

Serving Highlands, NC and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Customers say: True professional

"Great experience having this company cut down our tree. They not only cut the tree but left the area like one hadn’t even been there. From the first time we communicated with Oscar until the job was complete, he was very prompt to respond. Would highly recommend this company for services."
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos

+11

Response time6 hrs
Response rate100%
7 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Summit Land Development, LLC.
Summit Land Development, LLC.
4.4(
23
)
Tree Stump - Remove

Serving Highlands, NC and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Brandon, Scott and crew did an absolutely great job on my project. I had them remove stumps, level and grade for a garage. They were great to work with, kept me informed and finished up on time. They were knowledgeable, professional and honest. I heartily recommend them for your dirtwork. Will call upon them again before starting any other dirt work."
2501
2501
2501
2501
2506

+4

Response time4 hrs
Response rate100%
9 neighbors recently requested a quote
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Arborists FAQs, answered by experts

Yes, cutting a tree's roots can cause it to fall, particularly if major support roots are severed. In extreme cases, trimming roots can affect the tree's structure and stability. Many crucial roots are located just below the soil's surface. If you make severe cuts to roots more than 2 inches in diameter, you risk impacting the tree's water flow and its ability to withstand severe winds or storms. Even cutting roots less than half an inch in diameter under or outside the tree's canopy can cut off its water supply, causing it to decline, die, and eventually topple.

You should prune ornamental trees once every other year after the fruit has matured and begun to drop. You should also prune out dead branches whenever you see them. Pruning too often can stimulate more growth, especially in faster growing varieties like Bradford pears.

According to scientists at Penn State University, spotted lanternflies do not typically kill the trees and plants they feed on, but they can cause branches and segments to die off. However, they have been found to kill cultivated grapes, which can have devastating consequences for vineyard owners and regions that heavily rely on vineyards to create jobs and generate revenue. They have also killed the Ailanthu altissima, known as the tree of heaven, though this is classified as a noxious and invasive weed tree.

Getting a tree pro with the right experience can be the difference between your transplanted tree surviving or not. When hiring a local tree transplanting and removal service, follow up on references, check their portfolio, ask for a breakdown of the costs, and get proof of liability and workers’ compensation insurance. 

Also, look for companies certified by the International Society of Arboriculture or registered with the Tree Care Industry Association and make sure they have an appropriate state or city license.

You may wonder whether tree removal is tax deductible: Tree removal is not tax-deductible for homeowners unless it's related to a federally declared disaster. In that case, the cost may qualify as a casualty loss. However, if you own a commercial property, like a rental home, tree removal could be deductible if it's necessary for safety, maintenance, or part of a larger capital improvement project, and you must hire a professional tree removal service and keep documentation. Always consult a tax professional beforehand to see if you qualify.

The Highlands, NC homeowners’ guide to arboricultural services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.