When I bought my first home in Durham, I didn’t think much about the trees in the yard. They were big, beautiful, and full of shade—until one afternoon a giant branch snapped and landed right on my shed during a windy storm. That’s when I realized tree care isn’t about trimming—it’s about safety.
I started searching for help and quickly learned that not all tree services are the same. Some showed up late or gave confusing prices. Others were quick and kind, with teams that explained everything and worked carefully around my garden. I even watched one crew climb with ropes like pros—no big machines tearing up my lawn!
Over the next few months, I talked to my neighbors, read reviews while having coffee at Joe Van Gogh, and even spoke with tree workers I saw nearby.
I began to notice which companies just cut off branches and which ones really cared. The good ones worked to keep trees healthy, helped prepare for storms, and made sure the rest of the yard stayed safe too.
After lots of research (and one too-close call with a leaning pine), I put together a list of the 10 best tree service companies in Durham. Whether you need a quick trim, emergency storm cleanup, or advice on saving an old oak, these are the people you can trust.
How I Picked the Best Tree Services in Durham, NC
One windy afternoon, I heard a loud crack outside. I looked out the window and saw a big tree branch lying across my driveway. It had snapped off during the storm and missed my car. That’s when I realized I needed help from real tree experts—not someone with a chainsaw.
So, I started my search for the best tree services in Durham. Here’s what I looked for:
- Safety First (35%) – I wanted crews that wore helmets, used ropes, and kept my house and yard safe while they worked.
- Smart and Gentle (25%) – I looked for people who knew how to trim trees without hurting them and who checked for things like rot or storm damage.
- Good Tools & Clean Work (20%) – Extra points for companies that brought the right equipment and cleaned up every last leaf when they finished.
- Happy Reviews (15%) – I read stories from neighbors who had trees saved, not just cut, and who praised great service after big storms.
- Nice Extras (5%) – Free estimates, quick response times, or tips for keeping trees healthy really stood out to me.
I talked to neighbors, read reviews at coffee shops, and even watched a few teams work in nearby yards. After all that, I picked the 10 best tree services in Durham—the ones that care about your trees, your home, and your peace of mind.
Average Cost of Tree Services in Durham, NC
| Service | Average Cost | Details |
| Tree Removal | $200–$850+ per tree | Varies by size (30–80+ ft) and complexity; emergency removals may cost more. |
| Tree Trimming/Pruning | $80–$350 per tree | Small to medium trees average $150–$200; precision shaping and safety-focused cuts. |
| Stump Grinding | $50–$200 per stump | Often bundled with removal; eco-friendly debris cleanup included. |
| Emergency Services | $300–$500+ per call | Storm damage or hazardous tree removal; 24/7 availability. |
| Plant Health Care | $100–$300 annually | Fertilization, pest/disease management, and soil testing. |
| Cabling/Bracing | $200–$600 per tree | Structural support for weak branches or split trunks. |
| Lot Clearing | $500–$2,500+ per acre | Depends on tree density and debris removal. |
| Consultation | Free–$200 | Arborist evaluations for preservation plans or risk assessments. |
A Quick Look at the 10 Best Tree Services in Durham, NC
- 1 BroadLeaf Tree and Shrub – rated 4.9 out of 5
- 2 Dolley Tree Service – rated 4.8 out of 5
- 3 Santos Brothers Tree Service – rated 4.8 out of 5
- 4 Grateful Trees and Bees – rated 4.7 out of 5
- 5 Monster Tree Service of Raleigh Durham – rated 4.7 out of 5
- 6 Green Leaves Tree Care Inc – rated 4.6 out of 5
- 7 Triangle Tree Services – rated 4.6 out of 5
- 8 Hill’s Tree Service – rated 4.5 out of 5
- 9 Bull City Tree Service – rated 4.5 out of 5
- 10 NC Trees and More – rated 4.4 out of 5
#1 BroadLeaf Tree and Shrub
One morning in spring, I looked out my window and saw a big tree in my yard. It was leaning a little. Some small branches had fallen after a windy night, and one big branch was hanging over my driveway. I got scared. What if it fell and hit a car? Or someone?
I didn’t know what to do. Then my neighbor said, “Call BroadLeaf Tree and Shrub.” So I did.
The person on the phone was super nice. They said, “We can come tomorrow to help.” That made me feel better right away.
The next day, some friendly people came to my house. They were on time and smiled a lot. They looked at all my trees, not the leaning one. They showed me that the tree’s roots were coming out of the ground, and another tree was getting sick. They talked in simple words so I could understand, and they even showed me pictures.
They trimmed the scary branches and gently took down the leaning tree. Then, they cleaned up everything. No sticks left behind! They also told me how to take care of the other trees so they stay strong.
Now my yard is safe and pretty. I don’t worry about branches falling anymore.
If you have trees and don’t know if they’re okay, you should call BroadLeaf Tree and Shrub. They’re kind, smart, and good at helping trees and people too.
| Business Name | BroadLeaf Tree and Shrub |
| Owner Name | Mr. Matthew Tuttle |
| Google My Business Rating | 5.0/5 |
| Best known for | – Over 50 years of combined industry experience – Fully insured for all tree and shrub services – Offers emergency services |
| Services | – Tree removal – Tree pruning – Shrub pruning – Plant health care – Pest management – Disease management – Soil and root care |
| Website | broadleaftreeandshrub.com |
| Telephone | (919) 632-3565 |
| N/A | |
| Address | 5917 Rustic Wood Ln, Durham, NC 27713 |
| Hours | – Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM – Saturday – Sunday: Closed |
#2 Dolley tree service
When I first bought my little yellow house in Durham, I loved the big trees in the backyard. They gave lots of shade, and the birds loved them too. But one windy afternoon, I heard a loud cracking sound. I ran outside and saw a huge branch hanging down, just barely caught on another limb. It was right above the fence—and way too close to my neighbor’s car.
I didn’t know who to call, and I felt a little nervous. But then a friend told me about Dolley Tree Service. I called them right away, and the person on the phone was calm and kind. They said, “Don’t worry—we’ll come take a look today.”
And they did! A friendly team showed up that afternoon. They were polite, careful, and didn’t rush. They looked at the tree, showed me how the branch was cracked, and said it could fall any minute. They explained everything in simple words and got to work fast.
They gently took down the broken branch and checked the whole tree to make sure it was safe. Then they trimmed a few more limbs that could’ve been dangerous later on. When they were done, they cleaned up every last leaf and stick—my yard looked better than before!
What I loved most was how they treated my home like it was their own. They didn’t scare me or try to sell me anything extra. They helped.
Now I always call Dolley Tree Service when I need tree work, and I tell all my neighbors too. If you want people who are friendly, careful, and know trees, they’re the ones to call.
| Business Name | Dolley Tree Service and Landscaping Co. |
| Owner Name | Mr. Brad Faircloth |
| Google My Business Rating | 4.8/5 |
| Best known for | – Offers comprehensive tree removal and pruning services. – Provides a wide range of landscaping and garden services, including hardscapes and stone work. – Emphasizes personalized service, competitive rates, and customer satisfaction. |
| Services | – Tree removal – Tree pruning – Mulching – Lawn care and maintenance – Limb and bush pruning – Landscaping projects – Hardscapes and stone work |
| Website | dolleytree.com |
| Telephone | (919) 672-1505 |
| N/A | |
| Address | Raleigh, NC 27603. |
| Hours | – Monday – Sunday: Open 24 hours |
#3 Santos Brothers Tree Service
One warm day, I was outside in my yard planting flowers. I looked up and saw a big tree branch sitting on the power line. I didn’t think much about it before, but now it looked heavy. I started to feel a little worried. What if it fell and broke something? What if it hurt someone?
I told my neighbor, and they said, “Call Santos Brothers Tree Service—they’re good.” So I did.
The person on the phone was super nice and said, “Don’t worry, we’ll come look tomorrow.” That made me feel better.
The next day, they came right on time. They smiled, waved at my cat on the porch, and talked to me in a nice, easy way. They looked at the tree and showed me how the branch was pulling on the wire. They even found some other branches that could fall in a big storm.
They used ropes and tools to take the branches down safely. Nothing fell the wrong way. They cleaned up all the leaves and sticks too—my yard looked so clean after they left!
If you need someone kind and careful to help with your trees, call Santos Brothers Tree Service. I’m glad I did.
| Business Name | Santos Brothers Tree Service |
| Owner Name | N/A |
| Google My Business Rating | 5.0/5 |
| Best known for | – Over 10 years of experience in tree care services – Offers free estimates for all services – Provides 24/7 emergency tree removal services – Serves both residential and commercial clients |
| Services | – Tree pruning – Tree trimming – Tree removal – Stump removal – Stump grinding – Emergency storm recovery |
| Website | santosbrotherstreeservice.com |
| Telephone | (919) 903-2132 |
| N/A | |
| Address | Chapel Hill, NC 27514 |
| Hours | – Monday – Sunday: Open 24 hours |
#4 Grateful Trees and Bees
One sunny morning, I went outside to hang a bird feeder. While I looked around, I saw something that made me stop. One big tree in the yard had a big crack in the trunk, and it was leaning toward the shed. After all the rainy days and wind, that made me a little worried.
I didn’t know what to do, but my neighbor told me to call a group called Grateful Trees and Bees. I liked their name, so I gave them a call. The person who answered was very nice. They said, “We can come tomorrow to look,” and that made me feel much better.
The next day, they came to my house. They were so kind and calm. We walked around the yard together, and they looked at the tree with the crack. They showed me what was wrong in simple words I could understand. They also found a few other branches on different trees that might fall soon.
They didn’t rush. They took the broken tree down carefully and trimmed the other branches too. When they were done, they cleaned everything up. The yard looked neat and pretty again.
Now, I don’t feel scared when the wind blows. And the backyard feels bright and open. The birds even fly around more now, and I think they like it too.
If you have trees that need help, or if your yard feels a little messy or unsafe, call Grateful Trees and Bees. They were so nice and did a really great job. I’m so glad I called them.
| Business Name | Grateful Trees and Bees |
| Owner Name | Jacob T. Pressley and Jennifer Socey |
| Google My Business Rating | 5.0/5 |
| Best known for | – Family-owned and operated since 2013 – Services performed by an ISA Certified Arborist and NC Registered Forester – Offers sliding scale quotes to accommodate various budgets – Provides free on-site estimates for all tree services |
| Services | – Health assessments – Custom climbing and pruning – Removals and stump grinding – Plantings – Forestry management plans – Timber sales – Beekeeping referrals – Firewood supply |
| Website | gratefultreesandbees.com |
| Telephone | (919) 889-3242 |
| humans@gratefultreesandbees.com | |
| Address | 1231 Carpenter Fletcher Road, Durham, NC 27713 |
| Hours | – Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM – Sunday: Closed |
#5 Monster Tree Service of Raleigh Durham
One windy afternoon, I was sitting outside when I heard a loud cracking sound. I looked up and saw a big tree branch hanging over my driveway. It looked like it could fall at any time—and my car was right underneath it! I got really nervous and didn’t know what to do.
I looked on my phone and found a company called Monster Tree Service of Raleigh Durham. The name made me smile, so I called them. The person on the phone was super nice. They said they could come the next day to help.
The next day, a friendly team showed up with their big truck and tools. They were right on time. They looked at the tree, showed me the problem, and explained everything in a way I could understand. The branch was weak because of the wind and storms.
They carefully cut the branch so it wouldn’t fall and hurt anything. Then, they trimmed a few more branches to keep the tree strong. After that, they cleaned up all the leaves and sticks. My yard looked even better than before!
Now I feel safe again when the wind blows. If you have trees that need help, call Monster Tree Service. They are kind, fast, and know what they’re doing. I’m glad I called them.
| Business Name | Monster Tree Service of Raleigh Durham |
| Owner Name | Jason Farland |
| Google My Business Rating | 5.0/5 |
| Best known for | – Provides free estimates for all services – Offers emergency tree removal services – Staffed by certified arborists – Committed to outstanding customer service and high-quality tree care |
| Services | – Tree pruning and trimming – Tree removal – Stump grinding and removal – Emergency tree services – Plant health care programs |
| Website | monstertreeservice.com |
| Telephone | (919) 759-5670 |
| N/A | |
| Address | 4026 Overcup Oak Ln, Cary, NC 27519 |
| Hours | – Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM – Saturday – Sunday: Closed |
#6 Green Leaves Tree Care Inc
When I moved into my new house in Durham, I saw a big tree in the backyard. I really liked it. It gave nice shade, and I liked sitting under it with my book. But after a big storm, I saw something bad. One big branch looked like it might break. Another one was hanging low, and that made me a little scared.
I didn’t want it to fall, so I looked for someone to help. I found a nice company called Green Leaves Tree Care Inc. People said good things about them, so I called. The person on the phone was very kind and said, “We can come tomorrow.”
The next day, their team came right on time. They smiled and looked at the big tree. They showed me the crack and told me what was wrong in easy words I could understand. They didn’t make me feel silly or try to sell me stuff I didn’t need.
They cut the bad branch and made the tree look nice again. They even looked at the other little trees and helped them too. When they were done, they cleaned up all the leaves and sticks. My yard looked even better than before.
Now I feel happy when I sit under my tree. I don’t worry anymore. If you have trees and need someone to help, call Green Leaves Tree Care Inc. They are really nice and know how to take care of trees the right way.
| Business Name | Green Leaves Tree Care Inc |
| Owner Name | Tomas Villareal |
| Google My Business Rating | 5.0/5 |
| Best known for | – Offers a wide range of tree care and landscaping services – Emphasizes quality and integrity in service delivery – Provides free consultations |
| Services | – Tree pruning – Tree removal – Fertilization – Disease and pest treatment – Garden design and installation – Irrigation system installation |
| Website | greenleavestreecareinc.com |
| Telephone | (919) 612-5928 |
| greenleaves.treecare1@gmail.com | |
| Address | 3620 Guess Rd, Durham, NC 27705 |
| Hours | – Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM – Friday – Sunday: Open 24 hours |
#7 Triangle Tree Services
One warm day, I was sitting outside on my porch when I heard a big tree make a funny crack sound. I looked up and saw a big branch with a big break in it. The tree looked like it was leaning, and right under it was my neighbor’s car!
I got worried. I didn’t want the branch to fall and hurt anything. So I looked on my phone and found a nice company called Triangle Tree Services. I called them, and the person on the phone was very kind. They said, “We can come tomorrow and check it out.”
The next day, two nice workers came. They smiled, said hello, and looked at the tree. They showed me where it was broken and said it might fall if it got windy. That made me feel a little scared, but they said they could fix it.
They took off the broken branch slowly and carefully. Then they trimmed a few other branches to help the tree feel better. When they were done, they picked up all the little sticks and leaves. My yard looked super clean!
They didn’t try to sell me anything I didn’t need. They just helped me and made everything feel safe again.
Now I can sit in my backyard and not worry. If you have a tree that looks funny or broken, I think you should call Triangle Tree Services. They are nice, they know what to do, and they really care.
| Business Name | Triangle Tree Services |
| Owner Name | Will Gilfillan |
| Google My Business Rating | 5.0/5 |
| Best known for | – Offers free, no-obligation estimates for all tree services – Provides 24/7 emergency tree removal services – Caters to both residential and commercial clients – Staffed by certified arborists |
| Services | – Tree removal – Tree trimming and pruning – Stump grinding and removal – Emergency storm damage cleanup |
| Website | triangletreeservices.com |
| Telephone | (984) 444-6655 |
| N/A | |
| Address | 113 Newell St, Durham, NC 27705 |
| Hours | – Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM – Saturday – Sunday: Closed |
#8 Hill’s Tree Service
One sunny day in spring, I was planting pretty flowers in my front yard. While I was digging in the dirt, I looked up and saw a big tree branch hanging low. It had a crack in it. It looked like it could fall down. That scared me a little, because kids ride their bikes on the sidewalk near that tree.
I didn’t know what to do, but I wanted to keep everyone safe. So I looked on my phone and found a company called Hill’s Tree Service. I called them, and the person who answered was really nice. I told them about the branch, and they said, “We can come tomorrow and help.” That made me feel happy.
The next day, a team came to my house. They were very friendly and careful. They looked at the tree and showed me where the branch was broken. They said the tree was still strong, but the branch had to go so no one got hurt.
They cut the broken branch and made sure nothing fell in the wrong place. Then they trimmed some more branches to help the tree stay healthy. When they finished, they picked up every stick and leaf. My yard looked so clean!
Now I feel safe when I look at that tree. If you have a tree that looks a little funny or needs some help, you should call Hill’s Tree Service. They are nice, gentle, and they really care.
| Business Name | Hill’s Tree Service |
| Owner Name | David Holder, Managing Member; Roger Medlin, Manager |
| Google My Business Rating | 4.3/5 |
| Best known for | – Over 40 years of experience in tree care services – Offers 24/7 emergency storm damage services – Caters to both residential and commercial clients – Staffed by certified professionals |
| Services | – Tree removal – Tree trimming and pruning – Stump grinding – Tree health care – Emergency storm damage cleanup |
| Website | hillstreeservicenc.com |
| Telephone | (919) 596-7973 |
| N/A | |
| Address | 409 Broach Rd, Durham, NC 27703 |
| Hours | – Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM – Saturday – Sunday: Closed |
#9 Bull City Tree Service
One warm day last summer, I was getting ready for a birthday party in my backyard. I put out chairs, hung up lights, and made a little table for cake and juice. Everything looked fun—until I saw a big branch hanging down over the deck. It looked like it could fall, and that made me feel a little scared.
I didn’t want anyone to get hurt, so I called a company called Bull City Tree Service. My neighbor told me they were nice, so I gave them a try.
The person on the phone was super friendly. I told them about the big branch and the birthday party, and they said, “Don’t worry, we can come tomorrow.” That made me feel much better.
The next day, two nice people came to my house. They were on time and smiled a lot. They looked at the big branch and said it was not strong anymore. They said it was smart to take it down. Then they checked the other trees, too, just to make sure everything was okay.
They took the branch down very carefully and cleaned up all the sticks and leaves. When they were done, the yard looked even nicer than before!
When the birthday party started, I didn’t have to worry. Everything was safe, and the kids had so much fun.
If you have a tree that looks wobbly or just needs a little help, you should call Bull City Tree Service. They were kind, fast, and made my yard safe and happy again.
| Business Name | Bull City Tree Service |
| Owner Name | Mr. Thomas Barnette |
| Google My Business Rating | 4.7/5 |
| Best known for | – Fully licensed and insured company – Offers free quotes – Provides 24-hour emergency services – Caters to both residential and commercial clients |
| Services | – Tree removal – Tree trimming and pruning – Stump grinding – Storm recovery |
| Website | bullcitytreeservice.com |
| Telephone | (919) 491-0126 |
| N/A | |
| Address | 1201 Paul Rd, Durham, NC 27704 |
| Hours | Open 24 hours |
#10 NC Trees and More
One sunny morning, I was in the backyard watching my kids play. While they were laughing and running, I looked over at a big tree near the fence. Something didn’t look right. The bark had a big crack, and the leaves were turning brown—even though it wasn’t fall. I started to feel a little worried. What if the branch broke while the kids were playing?
I didn’t want to wait, so I looked online and found a place called NC Trees and More. People said nice things about them, so I gave them a call. The person on the phone was super kind. I told them what I saw, and they said, “We can come tomorrow to take a look.” That made me feel much better.
The next day, they came right when they said they would. The man who came was very nice. He looked at the tree slowly and carefully. He gently touched the trunk, checked the roots, and showed me what was wrong. He used simple words so I could understand. He said the tree could be okay, but it needed some help.
He cut the weak parts, gave the tree a special treatment, and even looked at my other trees to make sure they were healthy too. He gave me easy tips so I could take care of them myself.
Now the big tree looks happy again, and I don’t worry when my kids play nearby. If you have a tree that looks sad or hurt, I think you should call NC Trees and More. They are kind, gentle, and really care about trees—and your family too.
| Business Name | NC Trees and More |
| Owner Name | N/A |
| Google My Business Rating | 5.0/5 |
| Best known for | – Led by an ISA Certified Arborist, ensuring professional expertise in tree care. – Offers free, no-obligation estimates for all services. – Provides 24/7 emergency tree services. – Fully insured with $2 million in general liability coverage. |
| Services | – Tree removal – Tree pruning and trimming – Stump grinding and removal – Emergency tree care – Plant health care |
| Website | nctreesandmore.com |
| Telephone | (984) 254-6912 |
| N/A | |
| Address | 3421 Coley Rd, Durham, NC 27703 |
| Hours | Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. |
A Few Tips Before You Book a Tree Services in Durham, NC
Before I let someone work on the trees in my yard, I like to check a few things—just to be safe. Trees can look fine on the outside, but sometimes they’re sick, too heavy, or leaning in a way that’s not safe. And if no one checks them, branches can fall, or roots can hurt your home.
Here’s what I always do before I say “yes” to tree help:
- I ask if they know about trees: I don’t want someone who just cuts things fast. I want someone who understands how to take care of trees and knows which ones to trim or save.
- I ask what they plan to do: Will they only cut branches? Or will they check the tree’s health, the roots, and make sure it’s not leaning the wrong way? I like to know what I’m paying for.
- I check if they fix things too: If a tree is cracked or has a broken limb, I want someone who can take it down safely and help the rest of the tree stay strong.
- I ask for the price first: No surprises! I like when they tell me the price before they start the job—not after.
- I read what others say: I check online to see what people in Durham think. If lots of folks say the company is kind and does a great job, I feel good calling them.
- I ask if they clean up: I don’t want to be left with sticks and sawdust. The best tree folks clean up everything and leave the yard looking nice.
- I don’t trust door-knockers: If someone shows up out of nowhere saying, “We can cut that tree today,” I double-check their name online. Good companies won’t try to scare you or rush you into saying yes.
Doing all this only takes a few minutes, but it really helps! It keeps my yard safe, my trees healthy, and my family happy. So, if you’re thinking about calling a tree service in Durham—take a minute, ask a few questions, and choose someone you can trust.
Local Expert Opinion
Sarah, a certified arborist in Durham, shares,
“I’ve worked with trees in Durham for over 15 years, and I’ve seen a big difference in how tree care is done today. Years ago, some companies would just cut off a few branches and leave. But now? Teams like Bull City Tree Service and Grateful Trees and Bees take their time and do things the right way.
They check if the tree is healthy, trim carefully, and even help people plan how to keep their trees strong for years. Some even use clean-up methods that are gentle on flowers and bushes nearby.
With the storms we get in Durham, it’s really important to know if a tree might fall or is getting weak. These tree services look for those things, and that helps keep homes and families safe.
It makes me happy to see more people choosing smart, caring tree experts. Our trees are healthier, and our neighborhoods are safer because of it.”
My Final Thoughts on the 10 Best Tree Services in Durham, NC
I looked at a bunch of tree helpers here in Durham, and guess what? There are so many nice people who really love trees! Some are really good at cutting big branches. Some know how to help trees that are sick or falling over. And they all want your yard to be safe and look nice.
BroadLeaf Tree and Shrub came fast and worked super carefully. Dolley Tree Service and Santos Brothers Tree Service were kind and helped me understand what my tree needed. Grateful Trees and Bees are gentle with trees and even help the bees too!
When a big storm knocked things down, Monster Tree Service of Raleigh Durham came with strong tools and cleaned it all up. For small things like a little trim or check-up, I liked Green Leaves Tree Care Inc, Triangle Tree Services, and Hill’s Tree Service. They were sweet and didn’t rush. Bull City Tree Service helped me before a party and made my yard look great. And NC Trees and More gave me smart ideas to help my baby trees grow strong.
All of these tree folks were honest, careful, and kind. If your tree needs a little help, these are the best people to call in Durham.
Now my yard feels happy, and I do too!
