10 best tree removal companies in Boston, Massachusetts

Healthy trees add to your home's curb appeal and offer a shady retreat in your yard. Unhealthy trees, however, can jeopardize your property. Tree removal may be necessary if it is diseased, decaying 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 tree removal professionals in Boston can use their equipment and experience to help you safely remove a tree from your property.

Removing diseased trees and other trees with high fall risk is vital for your property's safety. However, attempting to tackle the project yourself could lead to serious injury and expensive property damage.

When you hire a reputable tree removal company in Boston, you'll have a skilled team to safely remove trees with specialized cutting techniques and equipment in accordance with the city's ordinances and permit requirements.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Boston

Look for tree removal companies in Boston 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 encroaching on your home. The number of decayed trees in Boston is relatively high compared to other parts of the country. It's wise to speak with a professional tree removal contractor if you notice any of these indicators:

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

Leaning trees and trees with raised dirt surrounding their trunk bases are much more likely to fall. If you see either of these signs, contact a qualified tree removal expert right away to review the damage and remove the tree before it causes harm.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, have structural defects beyond repair, making them more likely to fall. A falling tree poses a major risk to property, people, pets and vehicles. Signs of structural defects include loose bark, large cracks, rotten wood, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, don't wait to remove it 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:

• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as leaves, branches and logs. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal crews often use wood chippers to chip tree trunks and branches. If you'd like, you can use the chips as mulch to improve your other plants' growth.
• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will remain. 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.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can assist in covering holes left over from stump removal or plant a healthy tree where your old one stood.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Boston

Find the right tree removal company for your project based on these factors.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

Arborists are expert consultants 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 to help them grow properly and last for years. Massachusetts does not require arborists to hold a license, 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 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

Choose a tree removal company insured for business liability, general liability and workers compensation. A contractor's insurance policy serves as a safety net for you, your property and the company's team members in case something goes wrong while they work. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing laws. A contractor in Boston doesn't need a state license if tree removal is their only service. We recommend contacting Boston officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor meets all requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

To determine if removing a tree is the best choice, have a professional tree risk assessment (TRA). To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by looking for clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll walk around the tree, closely inspecting the roots, crown and trunk. Sometimes, arborists use advanced gear to evaluate the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Most tree removal companies provide complimentary estimates and consultations. Get estimates from multiple providers and compare rates to find the best value.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask for tree removal company referrals from trusted family, friends and neighbors. Even when you get a referral, take the time to read online reviews on BBB, Google Reviews and Yelp 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.