Tree Removal Services in Oneida County & Central New York
When the Tree Is Too Big for a Bucket Truck, Call Us
Some trees are too large, too dangerous, or in too difficult a location for a standard tree service to handle safely. That is where we come in. We use excavation equipment, including excavators, loaders, and dump trucks, to remove large trees, hazardous trees, storm-damaged trees, and stumps that require heavy machinery. We also clear trees for new construction, septic work, driveway installation, and land development. Residential and commercial tree removal across Central New York.
Tree Removal Across Central New York
Tree removal is not always a job for a climber and a chainsaw. When a 60-foot oak is leaning toward a house, when a storm drops a massive tree across a driveway, or when 20 trees need to come down for a new building site, the job requires heavy equipment operated by an experienced crew. That is the type of tree removal we provide.
Hale Excavation is a veteran-owned, licensed, and insured contractor with over 35 years of construction experience. We remove trees using excavators, skid steers, loaders, and dump trucks, the same equipment we use for excavation, demolition, and land clearing. This gives us the capacity to handle trees that are too large, too unstable, or in too tight a space for traditional tree service methods.
We serve homeowners, builders, developers, and municipalities throughout Oneida County, Herkimer County, Madison County, and surrounding communities. Free estimates, free second opinions, and free consultations on every tree removal project.
Signs You Need Tree Removal
A Large Tree Is Dead, Dying, or Leaning Toward Your Home
Dead trees lose structural integrity as they decay. A large dead tree leaning toward your house, garage, or power lines is an active hazard. The longer it stands, the more likely it is to fall in a storm or under its own weight. Heavy equipment allows us to control the direction of the fall and remove it safely, even in tight spaces.
A Storm Brought Down a Tree or Left One Hanging Dangerously
Wind, ice, and heavy snow bring down trees and large limbs across Central New York every year. A tree that has fallen across your driveway, into your yard, or onto a structure needs to be cut up, loaded, and hauled off. A tree that is partially fallen and hanging is even more dangerous. We respond to storm damage with the equipment to handle it.
Trees Need to Come Down for New Construction
Building a home, garage, driveway, or septic system often requires removing trees from the construction footprint. When the scope is more than a few small trees, heavy equipment makes the job faster, safer, and more cost-effective than hand-felling.
Tree Roots Are Damaging Your Foundation, Driveway, or Septic System
Large tree roots can crack foundations, lift driveways, and invade septic lines and leach fields. When the tree is causing structural or infrastructure damage, removal is the permanent solution. We remove the tree, grind or extract the stump, and repair the damage the roots have caused.
You Have a Stump or Multiple Stumps That Need to Be Removed
Leftover stumps from previously cut trees interfere with mowing, construction, and property use. We remove stumps with excavation equipment, which allows us to extract the stump and root ball entirely rather than just grinding the surface. This is the better option when the area will be graded, built on, or needs complete root removal.
Types of Tree Removal We Handle
- Hazardous & Dead Tree Removal
Removal of dead, dying, or structurally compromised trees that threaten homes, buildings, driveways, utility lines, or other structures. We control the fall direction using excavation equipment, which provides more leverage and reach than standard tree service rigging. After the tree is down, we cut, load, and haul the debris off-site.
- Storm Damage Tree Removal
Emergency and non-emergency removal of trees and large limbs brought down by wind, ice, or snow. We respond with heavy equipment to clear fallen trees from driveways, roads, yards, and structures. For trees that are partially fallen or hanging, we use equipment to stabilize and lower them safely before cutting.
- Tree Removal for Construction & Land Development
Clearing trees from building sites, driveway routes, septic system footprints, and development areas. When more than a few trees need to come down, we combine tree removal with land clearing, grubbing, and site preparation so the entire scope is handled in one mobilization.
- Large Tree & Stump Removal
Trees over 24 inches in diameter and stumps that need full extraction rather than grinding. Our excavators can grab, pull, and load large trees and root balls that are beyond the capacity of standard tree service equipment. Stump extraction is preferred over grinding when the area will be graded, paved, or built on, because it removes the entire root mass.
Why Heavy Equipment Tree Removal Matters
It Is Safer for Large and Hazardous Trees
A 40-foot dead tree leaning toward a structure is a high-risk removal. Climbing it is dangerous. Rigging it with ropes alone may not be enough. An excavator provides a stable base, controlled reach, and the leverage to direct the fall precisely. Heavy equipment reduces the risk for both the crew and the property.
It Gets the Job Done Faster
An excavator can fell, grab, stack, and load trees in a fraction of the time it takes a hand crew. For projects that require removing 5, 10, or 50 trees, the time savings are significant. Faster removal also means less disruption to your property and your neighbors.
It Removes Everything, Including the Stump and Roots
Tree service companies typically cut the tree and grind the stump down a few inches below grade. That leaves the root system in place. Our excavation equipment extracts the entire stump and root ball, leaving a clean hole that can be backfilled, graded, and built on.
It Leaves the Site Ready for the Next Step
After the trees are down and the stumps are out, we grade the area, backfill holes, and prepare the surface for whatever comes next: construction, driveway installation, septic work, or landscaping. You do not need a second contractor to clean up after us.
What Tree Removal Includes
The scope depends on the number, size, and location of the trees, but a typical tree removal project includes:
Assessment and planning: We evaluate the trees, assess hazards (proximity to structures, utility lines, slopes), and plan the removal sequence. If the tree is near power lines, we coordinate with the utility company before work begins.
Tree felling or controlled removal: Using excavation equipment to fell the tree in the planned direction, or to push, pull, and lower it in controlled sections for trees in tight spaces near structures.
Limbing, cutting, and loading: Once the tree is on the ground, we cut it into manageable sections, load it onto dump trucks, and haul it off-site. Clean wood can be left for the homeowner if requested.
Stump removal: Extracting the stump and root ball with an excavator, or grinding the stump below grade if full extraction is not needed. Full extraction is recommended when grading, paving, or construction will follow.
Site cleanup and grading: Backfilling stump holes, grading the disturbed area, and leaving the site clean and usable. We do not leave ruts, holes, or debris behind.
Excavation and Site Work Across Every Job Type
Seven service types covering every excavation need — residential, commercial, municipal, and industrial. If it involves moving earth, managing water, or building infrastructure, Hale handles it.
Site Preparation
Land clearing, building pad prep, topsoil work, subgrade, and final cleanup
Grading
Rough and finish grading, lot leveling, slope correction, drainage grading, and retaining walls
Drainage Solutions
French drains, catch basins, culverts, dry wells, and stormwater management
Septic Systems
New installation, repair and replacement, leach field work, and emergency service
Underground Utilities
Water and sewer lines, HDPE pipe fusion, utility trenching, and storm drains
Commercial Maintenance
Site maintenance, snow plowing, commercial mowing, and landfill maintenance
Related Services
When tree removal is part of a larger clearing project, we combine both under one scope. Trees, brush, stumps, and vegetation are all handled in one mobilization.
Tree removal is often the first step in site preparation for new construction. After the trees are down, we continue with grading, building pad prep, and erosion control.
Commercial and municipal properties with ongoing tree removal and trimming needs can include this work under a recurring maintenance contract.
Get in touch
Three Decades of Major Project Experience
Hale Excavation LLC is a new venture led by Eric Hale, who brings extensive experience in landfill construction, environmental remediation, road construction, and federal projects. He has worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Forest Service, the Air Force, and major environmental firms throughout his career.
1991
Laborer & Surveyor
- Auburn, NY · Cayuga County
Eric returned from the Army to work full-time in construction while staying in the Army Reserves. Joined the apprenticeship program to become a certified operating engineer during this project (completed 1997, a certification he still holds).
1993
Laborer · Surveyor · Heavy Equipment Operator
- Malone, NY · Franklin County
Eric took on expanded field responsibilities on this project, working across three trades: laborer, surveyor, and heavy equipment operator.
1994
Laborer · Surveyor · Heavy Equipment Operator
- Frankfort, NY · Herkimer County
Constructed leachate collection and site drainage in 1994–95. Landfill closure completed in 1996. Gas removal windmill built in 1997. Eric worked across all phases of this multi-year project.
1998
Superintendent (First Time)
- Sodus, NY · Wayne County
Eric’s first job as a project superintendent — the beginning of his transition from the field to project leadership.
2008
Superintendent
- Wampsville, NY · Madison County
Cell 7 liner system construction on the Madison County Landfill. By this point Eric was running full field operations independently.
2012
Project Manager (First Time)
- Stanley, NY (Ontario County) + Morrisonville, NY (Clinton County)
Two of the largest projects Eric managed in his first year as a project manager. He worked on several other projects that year, but these were the biggest. Marks his transition from field superintendent to full project management.
2022
Senior Project Manager
- Middlesboro, KY + McGuire Air Force Base, NJ
2022 marked the first time Eric ever worked outside of New York State. He worked as senior project manager on both federal projects, plus several others that year.
2025
Founder · Owner · Director of Operations
- Sauquoit, NY · Oneida County
Eric founds Hale Excavation LLC — bringing 35 years of experience home to Central New York. From here we serve Oneida County, the Mohawk Valley, Herkimer, Madison, and surrounding counties. The scale is more personal now. The standards, work ethic, and project management discipline are exactly the same.
Projects listed above were completed under previous employers. They represent Eric Hale’s personal project resume and experience. Hale Excavation LLC was founded in November 2025.
Serving Central New York and the Mohawk Valley
From Utica and Rome through the Mohawk Valley, north into Lewis County, west across Onondaga, south into Chenango and Cortland — we work the full Central New York region. Our home base is Sauquoit, and our standard service radius is one to two hours from Utica. For the right project, we travel further.
How much does tree removal cost?
Cost depends on the number, size, and location of the trees, proximity to structures, stump removal requirements, and haul-off distance. A single tree in an open yard and a large hazardous tree over a house are very different scopes. We provide free on-site estimates.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree?
Permit requirements vary by municipality. Some towns and villages in Oneida County require a permit for removing trees above a certain size or within certain zones. We help identify whether a permit is needed for your project.
Can you remove a tree close to my house without damaging it?
Yes. We use excavation equipment to control the direction of the fall and lower trees in sections when they are close to structures. This method provides more control than hand-felling alone and protects the building, landscaping, and adjacent property.
Do you handle storm damage tree removal?
Yes. We respond to storm damage with the heavy equipment needed to clear fallen trees from driveways, roads, yards, and structures. For emergencies, call (315) 982-3673.
How do I get a free estimate for tree removal?
Call us at (315) 982-3673 or contact us online. We visit the site, evaluate the trees, and provide a written estimate covering removal, stump extraction, and site cleanup.
Tree Removal Questions
