10 best tree removal companies in Bellevue, Washington

While healthy trees enhance your home's curb appeal and give your yard cooling shade, unhealthy trees create safety concerns for your property. If a tree is diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture, it may be necessary to remove it. Tree removal is also important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. To ensure your hazardous tree gets removed safely, hire licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience.

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

Tree removal specialists have expertise in the proper cutting techniques and employ specialized tools to remove trees according to local ordinances. When you work with a reputable tree removal company in Bellevue, you can be assured that the job will be completed safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Bellevue

Look for tree removal companies in Bellevue 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 Bellevue is marginally high compared to other American cities. It's wise to speak with a professional tree removal contractor if you spot any of these indicators:

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

If you see raised dirt around the tree trunk's base, or if the tree is visibly beginning to lean, it's in danger of falling. Contact a tree removal contractor as soon as possible to review the extent of the damage and safely remove the tree if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

When a tree has irreparable structural defects that put it at high risk of falling, it becomes a hazard tree, sometimes called a danger tree. Falling trees can pose a serious threat to property, vehicles, people and pets. Rotten wood, dead branches, loose bark, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base are all indicators of structural defects. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it removed without delay.

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:

• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of branches, leaves and logs to clear. A contractor can use flatbeds or dump trucks to remove debris faster.
• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain after a tree removal. A professional might recommend completely removing the stump based on the circumstances. They may also grind the stump so the tree's remnants decompose more easily. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that the tree won't regrow.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal professionals often use wood chippers to shred tree trunks and branches. If you'd like, you can use the chips as mulch to nourish your garden plants.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal services also offer 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 Bellevue

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

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

An arborist is a scientific specialist who can examine your tree's requirements and advise you on the appropriate care. This can include revitalizing its health or removing it if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for pruning, transplanting and planting trees. Washington does not require arborists to be licensed, so we recommend looking for an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Arborists must have at least three years of experience and pass an exam to earn certification. ISA-certified arborists have the skills, experience and knowledge to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, ensure it has comprehensive insurance, including business liability, workers compensation and general liability. This coverage can financially protect you if an accident happens. 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 professional advice on whether removing a tree is essential. The assessment also details the risks of keeping a potentially hazardous tree. After you ask for a TRA, an arborist will assess your tree's potential to fall and what damage could result from a fall. The arborist will first look at the tree from a distance to search for obvious signs of damage. They will then walk around the tree to inspect its crown, roots and trunk. Some arborists use specialized equipment to study the tree's insides.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free estimates and consultations. Get estimates from at least two companies to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask family, neighbors and friends for recommendations for tree removal companies in your area. It's also wise to read online reviews on sites like BBB, Yelp and Google Reviews.

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.