10 best tree removal companies in Bainbridge Island, Washington

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 decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture. Tree removal is also important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Licensed professionals have the right equipment and experience to safely remove a tree from your property.

It's important to remove diseased trees, trees with high fall risk and trees that are damaging your foundation. However, doing this task yourself increases the potential for physical harm and property damage.

Tree removal professionals are well-versed in the proper cutting techniques and utilize specialized tools to remove trees in compliance with local regulations. By choosing a reputable tree removal company in Bainbridge Island, you can trust that the job will be completed safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Bainbridge Island

Look for tree removal companies in Bainbridge Island 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?

You should trim or remove a tree if it’s displaying evidence of severe damage or decay, or if it’s growing too close to your home. The number of decayed trees in Bainbridge Island is above average compared to other parts of the country. It's wise to speak with a professional tree removal contractor if you spot any of these warning signs:

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

If you spot raised dirt around the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is beginning to lean, it's in danger of falling. If you notice either of these signs, contact a qualified tree removal expert right away to evaluate the damage and safely remove the tree before it can cause further damage.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes referred to as danger trees, have structural defects which are beyond repair, increasing the probability they will fall. Falling trees can cause extensive property damage and seriously injure people and pets. Signs of structural defects include rotten wood, dead branches, loose bark, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you believe your property has a hazard tree, get it removed as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal companies offer an assortment of supplementary services apart from removing trees. These may include the following:

• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree section by section, they might use a wood chipper to shred the tree parts. Consider giving the tree a second life by using the chips as mulch for your garden.
• Debris removal: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover branches, leaves and logs away from your home.
• 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 grow back.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal providers provide landscaping services. These services might include filling the hole where the tree stump was or planting a new tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Bainbridge Island

Think about these factors to find the right tree removal company for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

Arborists are scientific experts that help you care for your trees. They may recommend restoring the tree's health or removal if a tree has a high fall risk. Arborists can also offer valuable insights on moving, planting and pruning trees for optimal growth and well-being. Washington does not require arborists to get a license, 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 earn certification. ISA-certified arborists have the knowledge, experience and skills to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company carrying insurance for workers compensation, business liability and general liability. A contractor's insurance policy acts as a safety net for you, your property and the company's team members in case something goes wrong while they work. In Washington, tree removal professionals must have a license from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. To obtain this license, a contractor must be bonded and insured. Always verify that potential tree removal service providers are properly licensed before hiring.

Request a tree risk assessment

By getting a tree risk assessment (TRA), you'll receive expert recommendations on whether removing a tree is essential. The assessment also presents the risks of keeping a potentially hazardous tree. During the TRA, an arborist will assess a tree's likelihood of falling and the damage that could result. First, they'll visually evaluate the tree from a distance, looking for obvious damage signs. Next, they'll inspect the roots, trunk and crown by circling around the tree. Some arborists use specific tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

Most tree removal companies provide complimentary quotes and consultations. Get quotes from at least two providers and compare rates to find the best value.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask neighbors, friends and family for suggestions on nearby tree removal companies. Even with a referral from someone, it's still important to research a company's reputation by reading reviews on sites like Google Reviews, BBB and Yelp.

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.