10 best tree removal companies in Allentown, Pennsylvania

Healthy trees can increase your home's curb appeal and bring shade to your yard, but unhealthy trees pose risks to your property. You may need to remove a tree if it's diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture. Tree removal is also essential for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Licensed professionals have the equipment and experience to safely remove a tree from your property.

You should remove trees that are diseased, have a high fall risk, or which are compromising your foundation. However, attempting to do it yourself could result in injury or property damage.

Tree removal experts know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized equipment to remove trees according to local ordinances and permit requirements. By working with a reputable tree removal company in Allentown, you can have more confidence that the job will get done safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Allentown

Look for tree removal companies in Allentown with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB). Use the filters below to help you find the right company for your needs.

How do you know a tree needs to be removed?

If a tree on your property has evidence of severe damage or decay, or if it's growing too close to your house, you may need to have it removed. The number of decayed trees in Allentown is noticeably high compared to other parts of the country. It's wise to get advice from a professional tree removal contractor if you notice any of these indicators:

The tree's roots are causing your home's foundation to lift or crack. The tree has mold, pests or diseases weakening its structure. The tree has damage from heavy rain or thunderstorms. The tree or its branches are dangerously close to your home or another structure on your property. The tree's trunk or branches are cracked and won't heal. The tree is severely burned or visibly dead. The tree is dropping far more seeds, branches, needles, leaves or sap than usual.

If you notice raised dirt close to the tree trunk's base, or if the tree is visibly starting to lean, it's at a high risk of falling. Contact a reliable contractor as soon as you can if you see either of these signs, and have the tree professionally examined.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have irreparable structural defects that make them prone to falling. Falling trees can cause extensive property damage and severely harm people and pets. Rotten wood, loose bark, dead branches, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base are all indicators of structural defects. If you have a hazard tree in your yard, have it removed right away.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal companies offer a variety of services. In addition to removing trees, many companies offer the following:

• Wood chipping: A tree removal specialist can use a wood chipper to break down the trunk and branches once the tree is cut down. Afterward, you can spread the mulch in your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will be left. You can grind the stump down so what's left of the tree can decompose. A more expensive option is to remove the stump altogether, which guarantees the tree won't regrow.
• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as branches, leaves and logs. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal companies also offer landscaping services. This could include leveling and repurposing the area where the tree stump was or planting a new tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Allentown

Use these considerations to make the best tree removal company decision for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

An arborist is a scientific expert who can examine your tree's needs and advise you on the correct care. This can include restoring its health or removing it if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for transplanting, planting and pruning trees. Pennsylvania doesn't have arborist licensing rules, so we recommend looking for an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Arborists must have three years of field experience and pass an exam to obtain the certification. ISA-certified arborists have the skills, knowledge and experience to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, ensure it carries comprehensive insurance coverage, including workers compensation, business liability and general liability. This coverage can financially protect you if an accident happens. City and county governments often set their own tree removal licensing laws. No state license is required for contractors in Pennsylvania that only remove trees. We recommend contacting the Allentown government and your county to ensure a prospective contractor meets all requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

To determine if removing a tree is necessary, have a tree risk assessment (TRA). To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by identifying clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll circle around the tree, closely inspecting the roots, crown and trunk. Sometimes, arborists use specialized gear to study the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free estimates and consultations. We recommend getting more than one estimate to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask for tree removal company referrals from trusted neighbors, family and friends. Even if someone you trust refers you, take the time to read online reviews on Yelp, Google Reviews and BBB to get a well-rounded perspective before you hire.

Our methodology for selecting tree removal companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.