National Tree Service in Birmingham

National Tree Service

(205) 956-3000 nationaltreeservice.com

1991 Alton Rd, Birmingham, Alabama 35210

Equipment and Capabilities: Stump Grinder

Emergency and Storm: Storm Cleanup, 24 Hour Emergency Response, Quick Response

Tree Services: Works Near Structures, Large Trees, Lot Clearing, Tree Assessments

Specialty Expertise: Works Near Power Lines

Credentials and Trust: Long Established, Insured

Customer Experience: Affordable, Cleanup Included

National Tree Service, Inc. is a reputable full-service tree company in Central Alabama that has been serving the Birmingham area since 1997. We offer a range of services such as tree removal, trimming, pruning, land clearing, crown reduction and storm clean-up. We also have a 24-hour phone service to respond to emergencies promptly. National Tree Service is fully insured and we employ trained and experienced professionals who can provide reliable services. We offer free consultations and can answer any questions related to tree care and other landscaping options. Choosing National Tree Service guarantees quality, and honest, fair pricing, and the assurance that your home is in safe hands.

4.2 from 102 reviews

5 stars
74
4 stars
7
3 stars
3
2 stars
2
1 stars
16

Pros

  • They did an amazing job.
  • They are great folks who do a clean, quick job.
  • They provide great communication and excellent customer service.
  • They cut down large trees and left the yard clean.
  • The crew made sure there was no damage to the house or fence.
  • They offer fair estimates and work within the client’s time frame.
  • The crew is hardworking, courteous, and professional.
  • They leave the yard cleaner than when they arrived.
  • They take safety seriously and tie off limbs as they go.
  • They are prompt, reliable, and reasonably priced.

Cons

Based on reviews representing only 21% of total ratings

  • They say National Tree Service harasses customers with unsolicited, persistent phone calls and won’t stop.
  • They claim the pricing is overpriced and sometimes amounts to price gouging compared with others.
  • They describe the company as unprofessional with poor communication and unreliable scheduling (missed appointments, late arrivals, no-shows).

Review Overview

National Tree Service in Birmingham, AL is best suited for homeowners dealing with sizable, mature trees in residential lots where safety around structures, driveways, and fences is the primary concern. It’s a solid fit for single-family properties with limited space, where limb-by-limb removal or trees growing close to the house require experienced rigging and careful planning. The company also serves clients facing urgent storm or hazard scenarios, where rapid mobilization and predictable cleanup matter more than a bargain-basement price. Prospective buyers with moderate to comfortable budgets will find the value aligned with the level of skill, equipment, and crew coordination on display, especially when the goal is to prevent further damage during high-wind events or to restore a yard quickly after a fall.

Safety and cleanup standards stand out as non-negotiables with this outfit. The most compelling reviews describe crews that protect structures, fences, and delicate landscape features by tying off limbs, using precise rigging, and guiding cuts so nearby trees aren’t compromised. Across the board, yard cleanup consistently rises above “good enough”: clippings and debris disappear promptly, driveways and curbs get blown or swept clean, and logs are hauled away. There are occasional caveats noted by a minority, one report cites dust from leaf blowers, another mentions incidental damage to a neighbor’s gutter or a post, reminding that even the best teams must be watched closely when jobs involve tight spaces or fragile adjacent features. Still, the standard is plainly high, with multiple reviews praising damage-free work and people who leave properties cleaner than they found them.

Crew quality and operational tempo are where National Tree Service earns credibility, though with a caveat: results hinge on the crew lead and the crew’s experience that day. The most persuasive feedback points to seasoned, safety-conscious operators who communicate well, arrive on time, and proceed with a methodical, “no wasted motion” approach. Post-cut cleanup is repeatedly described as thorough, with many crews moving debris to the curb or front yard, then returning to touch up. Yet a subset of reviews highlights variability, some customers report excellent coordination and prompt starts, while others note scheduling hiccups, delayed arrivals, or inconsistent follow-through on promised tasks like stump grinding. The takeaway is clear: insist on a well-defined scope, a single point of contact, and a written plan that assigns accountability for every phase of the project.

Pricing and quotes reflect a similar pattern of strength followed by risk. Several reviews describe National Tree Service as offering competitive pricing, sometimes beating other estimates by a meaningful margin, especially on larger removals. At the same time, there are recurring warnings about price variability and, in a few cases, perceptions of price increases or “gouging” relative to initial quotes. The repeated advice is to obtain multiple written estimates, confirm the exact services included (and excluded), and verify whether stump grinding, debris removal, and haul-away are bundled or billed separately. The prudent buyer should also anchor expectations to the scope of work, removing several large trees in tight spaces often justifies a higher upfront cost, yet ambiguity about scope invites sticker shock later in the process.

Customer experiences with communication are a mixed bag, though the prevailing thread favors responsiveness, professionalism, and clear coordination during urgent removals. Many clients recount rapid response after initial contact, courteous office staff, and crews that explained safety considerations before cutting. A bitter undercurrent comes from a handful of reviewers who describe persistent unsolicited calls or scheduling friction, sometimes lasting years after an initial inquiry. This is not a reason to avoid the company, but it is a reality to manage: clarify preference for contact, request removal from call lists where offered, and insist on timely confirmations in writing. When the company demonstrates reliability and transparency, the experiences are consistently positive, clients who trust the team often repeat engagements and refer neighbors.

For decision-making, National Tree Service emerges as a strong fit for property owners who need highly capable, safety-forward tree work and who value a meticulous cleanup and a professional finish. It’s a credible option for emergency or storm-driven scenarios, where quick mobilization minimizes risk and accelerates project completion. Prospective clients should enter with a clear scope and a plan that includes a written estimate, a defined schedule, and confirmation that stump grinding and debris removal are included. Price-conscious buyers will want to shop around and secure multiple quotes to guard against price drift, while those prioritizing performance should emphasize accuracy in access routes and the protection of nearby plantings. In Birmingham’s competitive market, National Tree Service commands respect for capability and cleanup, but silence on scheduling or billing, whether accidental or systemic, can undermine otherwise strong performance. The prudent approach is to lock in a written contract, monitor the crew’s adherence to safety protocols, and insist on a spotless finish that leaves the yard indistinguishable from before the work began, except for the absence of the tree.

Equipment and Capabilities

Stump Grinder

Equipped with stump grinding machinery to eliminate leftover stumps after removal. Leaves your yard clean and ready for replanting or landscaping.

Stump grinding is a regular part of the Birmingham service package, with customers noting that stumps are ground down and the site is cleaned up after removal. Crews are described as capable of handling large-tree stumps and working in tight spaces, while taking care not to damage nearby structures or landscaping. The work is often completed efficiently, leaving the yard ready for the next phase of landscaping. There are a few accounts where stump grinding was not performed or debris was left behind, indicating that execution can vary. Overall, stump grinding is a clearly offered capability in this area, typically paired with removal and thorough cleanup.

Emergency and Storm

Storm Cleanup

Ready to respond after high winds, ice storms, or heavy snow bring trees and limbs down across your property.

Storm cleanup is a core capability, backed by a 24-hour phone line and rapid emergency response across Central Alabama. Customers report crews arriving quickly after storms, cutting and removing toppled trees and securing loose limbs to prevent damage to homes and power lines. Debris removal is thorough—yards are cleaned up and hauled away, with work designed to avoid damage to houses, fences, and landscaping. The team emphasizes safety and precise maneuvering in tight spaces, often leaving the property in better shape than when they arrived. Across the board, the pattern shows reliable responsiveness, clear communication, and fair pricing during storm-related tree removal and cleanup.

24 Hour Emergency Response

Available around the clock for dangerous situations - a tree on your roof, a limb blocking your driveway, or a trunk threatening to fall. Day or night.

Emergency response is a clear strength in Birmingham and Central Alabama, supported by a 24-hour phone line that triggers rapid dispatch for urgent tree issues. Customers consistently describe swift arrival during storms, with crews on site within an hour to cut up hazardous trees and secure driveways and homes. Crews are noted for safety practices—protecting structures and keeping the work area clean—along with thorough cleanup after the job. Communication with the main office and updates during the job are frequently highlighted, helping customers feel informed and reassured. Overall, the combination of around-the-clock access, fast response, safety-focused work, and complete cleanup makes them a reliable option for emergency tree service in the area.

Quick Response

Fast to answer calls and quick to schedule. Whether it's routine work or an urgent situation, these businesses don't leave you waiting.

Quick-response capability stands out in their Birmingham operation, especially during severe weather and emergencies. They are described as the most responsive option when urgent help is needed, often arriving within an hour to assess danger and begin work. In storm scenarios they promptly secure hazards, cut down high-risk trees, and move quickly from assessment to removal. Crews work fast without sacrificing safety, frequently completing large-tree removals in a few hours and ensuring thorough cleanup. The company also supports this with a 24-hour phone service to coordinate rapid dispatch when emergencies arise.

Tree Services

Works Near Structures

Skilled at working in tight spaces where trees sit close to homes, fences, garages, or power lines. Precision removal without damage to surrounding structures.

Near-structure work is a hallmark of National Tree Service's Birmingham, Alabama operations, with crews adept at removing trees and heavy limbs that sit beside houses, fences, and driveways while safeguarding the structure. In tight spaces, they cut limb-by-limb or top-to-bottom and use careful rigging to avoid damage to buildings, as shown when large trees near a house were eliminated without harm to the home or fence. During storms or emergencies, they are among the most responsive, often arriving within an hour to clear trees that threaten access or safety around a structure. Site protection and cleanup are emphasized; crews frequently leave driveways and curbs clean, haul away debris, and even lay protective plywood to shield turf during work. Overall, customers highlight professional conduct, clear communication, and a strong focus on performing near-structure work safely and efficiently in the Birmingham area.

Large Trees

Experienced handling oversized trees - tall, wide, or heavily branched. Removing or trimming a large tree requires specialized skill and equipment, and these pros have both.

Handling large-tree removals is a defining strength, with crews in the Birmingham, Alabama area routinely taking down very large trees in tight spaces near homes, fences, and other structures. Customers note precise work on two large trees in small spaces—such as magnolia and maple—with careful handling that protects the house and surrounding landscape. They frequently complete jobs quickly and leave yards clean, with debris hauled away and no lingering mess. Safety-minded rigging is evident, as crews tie off limbs and maneuver carefully to prevent damage to nearby trees or structures. Their responsiveness during storms or emergencies in Central Alabama is a recurring theme, showcasing reliable, on-demand large-tree removal when timing is critical.

Lot Clearing

Full-scale land clearing for new construction, overgrown acreage, or development prep. Trees, brush, and stumps - all of it gone.

Rapid lot clearing is a core capability, with crews able to remove large trees quickly even in tight spaces and near structures. In several cases they cut two large trees next to a house, hauling away debris and leaving the yard undamaged and clean. Stump grinding is included as part of the service, so sites are left ready for immediate use. Jobs are completed efficiently—often within a few hours—with careful maneuvering to protect landscaping and property. They also prove responsive in urgent, storm-driven scenarios, providing prompt access and diligent cleanup.

Tree Assessments

Offers professional evaluation of your trees' health, structure, and risk level. Useful before buying property, after storm damage, or when a tree just doesn't look right.

Precise on-site tree assessment and risk evaluation are central to their work in Birmingham and Central Alabama, guiding decisions when trees are near houses, fences, or power lines. Customers consistently report clear, fair estimates that align with the work performed, with many noting the quoted price matched the final cost and the crew completed jobs efficiently. The assessment process informs careful execution, as crews avoid damage to structures and landscaping, protect nearby trees or wildlife, and handle large removals in tight spaces with meticulous cleanup. In emergencies, they respond quickly to toppled trees and other hazards, maintaining communication and safety as a priority.

Specialty Expertise

Works Near Power Lines

Trained and equipped to work near energized power lines. This specialized work requires specific qualifications - not every company should attempt it.

They consistently handle work near power lines and structures in Birmingham and Central Alabama, removing large limbs with safety and care to protect lines and property. When storms threaten, they respond quickly—often moving up appointments to clear lines before events and, in urgent cases, arriving within about an hour to manage downed trees. Feedback highlights clear communication and a professional crew that prioritizes minimizing disruption to your home, with thorough cleanup after service. Overall, customers repeatedly reference reliable, ready-to-respond capacity for power-line-adjacent work and storm-related cleanups.

Credentials and Trust

Long Established

A business with years - often decades - in the community. Local reputation and deep experience speak for themselves.

With roots dating back to 1997, National Tree Service has established a long-standing presence in Central Alabama, including Birmingham, delivering full-service tree care across decades. Feedback consistently highlights the capacity to remove large trees in tight spaces, protect structures, and leave yards clean and tidy. In storm and emergency scenarios, customers note rapid on-site response, careful rigging to prevent damage, and a focus on safety. Across projects, professional communication and dependable service recur as strengths, while a minority cite concerns about pricing or aggressive follow-up calls. These patterns collectively reflect a durable, locally trusted capability that has endured in the Birmingham area.

Insured

Carries proper liability and workers' compensation insurance. If something goes wrong on your property, you're protected.

Fully insured status underpins their ability to safely perform high-risk removals, especially near structures, in Birmingham and Central Alabama. Crews are described as careful with homes and fences and thorough with cleanup, reflecting strong risk management in practice. Being insured is repeatedly cited as a differentiator from cheaper competitors, offering peace of mind about coverage for potential damages. This insured capability, alongside professional communication and prompt service, supports reliable, safe tree work for emergency and storm cleanup as well as routine removals in the Birmingham area.

Customer Experience

Affordable

Competitive pricing without cutting corners. These arborists offer fair rates and transparent quotes, making professional tree care accessible for most budgets.

Pricing is consistently described as fair and affordable, with many customers noting estimates that beat rivals or are very economical for the scope of work. People report strong value for removal, stump grinding, and cleanup, often calling the quotes competitive and the overall cost affordable. Even in emergencies, customers say service is prompt and pricing remains reasonable, balancing safety and quick relief. Across the Birmingham, Alabama area, homeowners report reliable workmanship and thorough cleanup at an accessible price, reinforcing affordability as a core capability.

Cleanup Included

All debris - branches, logs, and brush - is hauled away as part of the job. No pile left behind for you to deal with.

Cleanup is included, and the consistent pattern is thorough post-removal cleanup across Birmingham-area jobs. Customers report that yards are left clean and free of excess debris, with debris hauled away and driveways or curbs cleared when the work is finished. Crews are described as leaving the site better than they found it, cleaning up behind themselves and taking care not to damage nearby structures or landscaping. Even in tight spaces near structures, the team finishes with a tidy, move-to-the-next-step condition—driveways and sidewalks often blown or swept clean. Overall, the service combines efficient tree work with reliable, noticeable cleanup that leaves properties ready for the next phase of landscaping.