
Professional Tree Removal Services
in Durham, NC
Tree Removal in Durham, NC
Hunter Excavating is a veteran-owned tree service based right here in Durham, NC. Owner Kendrick Hunter and our crew have spent years clearing trees across the Triangle, and we've held a 5.0-star rating across more than 160 Google reviews doing it. We handle the whole job: tree removal, stump removal, trimming, and pruning, plus the cleanup after. Got a dead oak leaning over the house, or did a storm drop a limb across the driveway? We can usually get out to look at it fast. We work throughout Durham and the nearby towns, including Raleigh, Cary, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, and Mebane.

When a Tree Has to Come Down
Most trees don't need removing. Some do, and putting it off usually makes the job riskier and more expensive. We'll tell you straight whether a tree can be saved or whether it's time for it to go. You're probably looking at removal if:
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It's dead, dying, or hollow and dropping limbs
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Disease or rot has set in and treatment isn't helping
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It's grown into power lines, a foundation, or your septic field
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It leans over the house and worries you every time the wind picks up
Our crew shows up with the right gear for the site, whether that's a crane and bucket truck for a big removal near the house or a hand crew for a tight backyard a truck can't reach. We take the tree down in sections when we have to, clear the debris, and haul it off. Want the stump gone too? We can grind it out in the same visit.
Stump Removal in Durham, NC
A cut stump doesn't just sit there looking ugly. It sprouts suckers, draws in termites and carpenter ants, and gets in the way of mowing or anything you want to build on that spot. We grind stumps below grade so the roots stop sending up shoots and you can replant, lay sod, or pour over it. We'll haul the grindings away or leave them as mulch, your call. If you've searched "tree stump removal near me" and want one crew to handle both the tree and the stump in a single visit, that's how we prefer to work anyway.
Land & Lot Clearing in Durham, NC
Building, putting in a driveway, or just tired of fighting back the woods at your property line? We clear lots of any size, from one overgrown corner to several acres of trees and brush. We can help sort out the permits and get the site graded and build-ready, since grading and excavation are the rest of what Hunter Excavating does. One contractor, start to finish.


Tree Trimming And Pruning in Durham, NC
Trimming and pruning look easy until you've watched someone drop a heavy limb onto the roof they were trying to protect. There's a right way to cut, and it depends on the species, the season, and what you're trying to fix. We prune to pull limbs back off the house and power lines, open up a crowded canopy, clear out dead or crossing branches, and shape young trees so they grow with solid structure. Same crew and same standards as our removals. We clean up the cuttings and haul them off when we're done, so the yard looks better than when we pulled up.

Why People in Durham Call Us
We're a small, veteran-owned outfit, not a national chain routing your call to a dispatcher three states away. When you hire us, you're dealing with Kendrick and the crew who actually do the work. We're licensed and insured, we show up when we say we will, and we don't leave ruts and brush piles behind. That 5.0 rating across 160-plus reviews didn't happen by accident, and we'd like to keep it. Call (336) 988-7585 or request a free quote and we'll come look at the tree, walk you through your options, and give you a real number with no pressure to say yes.
Tree Service Questions We Hear a Lot
How much does tree removal in Durham, NC cost?
It depends on the tree's size, how close it is to the house or power lines, and how hard it is to reach. A small tree in an open yard is a quick job. A big oak hanging over a roof, where every limb has to be roped down by hand, takes longer and costs more. We give free on-site quotes, so the fastest way to get a real number is to call (336) 988-7585 and have us take a look.
Do you offer tree removal near me?
If you're in Durham or a nearby town like Raleigh, Cary, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, or Mebane, yes. We're based in Durham, so "near me" is usually a short drive for us.
Can you remove a tree that's already fallen or hit my house?
Yes. Storm damage and fallen trees are a big part of what we do. Call us and tell us what happened. If a tree is on your house or across power lines, get everyone clear of it first and report any downed lines to the power company before we arrive.
What's the difference between stump grinding and stump removal?
Grinding chews the stump down below ground level and leaves the roots to rot in place, which is faster and cheaper. Full removal digs out the stump and major roots, which makes more sense if you're putting in a pool or a foundation. For most yards, grinding is all you need, and we'll tell you which one your project actually calls for.
When is the best time to prune trees?
For most trees around here, late winter into early spring, before new growth starts, is ideal. But dead, broken, or hazardous limbs should come off whenever you spot them, no matter the season. If you're not sure, we can look and tell you what's worth doing now versus what can wait.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes, and you should ask that of anyone you let near a tree on your property. Hunter Excavating is a licensed, insured, veteran-owned business. If an uninsured crew gets hurt or drops a limb on your roof, that can end up being your problem.
Request a Free Quote
Schedule your complimentary consultation today. We’ll visit your property and sit down with you to discuss what you’re looking for. During this no-pressure consultation, we’ll learn about your project, identify your preferences, and map out a plan that aligns with your budget.
