10 best tree removal companies in Baltimore, Maryland

Healthy trees improve your home's curb appeal and bring welcome shade to your yard. However, unhealthy trees can present significant dangers to your property. If a tree is diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture, you might need to remove it. Tree removal is also important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Turn to licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience to safely remove hazard trees from your property.

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

Tree removal professionals understand the proper cutting techniques and employ specialized machinery to remove trees in accordance with local ordinances and permit requirements. Partnering with a reputable tree removal company in Baltimore guarantees that the job will be completed safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Baltimore

Look for tree removal companies in Baltimore 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?

Consider removing a tree if you observe severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are encroaching on your house. The number of decayed trees in Baltimore is average compared to other parts of the country. If you observe any of the following signs, contact a tree removal professional.

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

If you notice raised dirt around the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is beginning to lean, it's in danger of falling. Contact a reputable tree removal company as soon as you can if you notice 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. A falling tree poses a significant risk to property, people, vehicles and pets. Signs of a structural defect include large cracks, rotten wood, dead branches, loose bark and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you think your property has a hazard tree, get it removed as soon as possible.

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:

• Stump removal: After removing a tree, only the stump remains. Based on your budget and needs, a service professional can remove the stump altogether or grind it down so what's left of it will decompose. Removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees the tree won't regrow.
• Debris removal: Debris like branches, logs and leaves is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree branch by branch, 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.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal services provide landscaping services. These services might 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 Baltimore

Use these factors to select the best 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 pruning, moving and planting trees to help them grow properly and last for years. To work in Baltimore, an arborist needs a Tree Expert license from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. They can also pursue a private certification from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Certification requires three years of experience and passage of an exam. Licensed and ISA Certified arborists have the experience, skills and knowledge to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, make sure it has comprehensive insurance coverage, including general liability, workers compensation and business liability. This coverage safeguards you, your property and the company's employees if an accident occurs during the job. All tree care professionals in Maryland must be Licensed Tree Experts (LTEs) through the Department of Natural Resources. To become an LTE, individuals must demonstrate appropriate education and experience and must carry appropriate insurance. Ensure that potential tree removal service providers are licensed before hiring.

Request a tree risk assessment

A tree risk assessment (TRA) can help you decide if removing a potentially dangerous tree is necessary. During a TRA appointment, an arborist will assess the chance the tree could fall and what damage could ensue. They'll begin by inspecting the tree from afar for clear damage indicators. Next, they'll circle the tree up close, inspecting its roots, crown and trunk. Some arborists use advanced equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal contractors provide free consultations and service estimates. Obtain quotes from at least two companies to assess their prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask people you trust for tree removal company referrals. Even with a referral from someone, it's still important to research a company's reputation by reading reviews on sites like Google Reviews, Yelp and BBB.

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.