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

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 result in serious injury and costly property damage.

Tree removal specialists are knowledgeable about the proper cutting techniques and use specialized machinery to remove trees while adhering to local ordinances. Partnering with a reputable tree removal company in Bothell guarantees that the job will be executed safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Bothell

Look for tree removal companies in Bothell 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 notice severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are growing too close to your house. The number of decayed trees in Bothell is somewhat high compared to other American cities. Consider seeking advice from a tree removal expert if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

Leaning trees and trees with raised dirt surrounding their trunk bases are much more likely to fall. Contact a trusted tree removal provider as soon as you can if you see either of these signs, and have the tree professionally evaluated.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have irreparable structural defects that make them more likely to fall. Falling trees can cause significant property damage and seriously injure people and pets. Signs of structural defects include dead branches, rotten wood, large cracks, loose bark and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, remove it as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal experts may offer a range of other services. Along with their main focus removing trees, some companies can help with these other jobs:

• Wood chipping: Tree removal professionals can use wood chippers to break down tree trunks and branches. You can keep the chips and use them as mulch to improve plant 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.
• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as branches, logs and leaves. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals double as landscapers. If you hire one of these companies, you could plant a new tree or fill the hole where the stump was located.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Bothell

To choose the right tree removal company for your needs, consider these factors.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A tree removal company's staff arborist is the right expert to get your tree care questions answered. They'll tap into their extensive scientific training to evaluate your tree's specific needs and provide the necessary treatments, including restoration or removal if the tree poses a falling hazard. Arborists are also a valuable resource for advice on moving, pruning and planting trees. Washington 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 experience, knowledge and skills to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company with insurance covering workers compensation, business liability and general liability. 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. 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 outlines the risks of keeping a potentially hazardous tree. To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by identifying clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll walk around the tree, closely inspecting the trunk, crown and roots. Sometimes, arborists use specialized gear to study the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask for tree removal company referrals from trusted family, friends and neighbors. Even if someone you trust refers you, take the time to read online reviews on Google Reviews, Yelp 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.