10 best tree removal companies in Bowie, 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 decaying, diseased 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. Turn to licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience to safely remove hazard trees from your property.

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

Tree removal experts are knowledgeable about the proper cutting techniques and use specialized equipment to remove trees following local ordinances and permit requirements. Working with a reputable tree removal company in Bowie gives you confidence that the job will be executed safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Bowie

Look for tree removal companies in Bowie 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 Bowie is above average compared to other American cities. get in touch with a tree removal expert if you see any of the following signs:

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

Leaning trees and trees with elevated dirt surrounding their trunk bases are at higher risk of falling. Contact a tree removal contractor immediately to evaluate the tree and safely remove it if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have irreparable structural defects that make them prone to falling. A falling tree could damage or injure vehicles, people, pets and property. Signs of a structural defect include large cracks, rotten wood, loose bark, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree in your yard, get it taken down immediately.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal contractors may offer a range of other services. Along with their main focus removing trees, some companies can help with the following additional services:

• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as leaves, logs and branches. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• 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 grow back.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal crews often use wood chippers to chip tree trunks and branches. If you choose, you can use the chips as mulch to nourish your garden plants.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal companies provide landscaping services. This could include filling the hole where the tree stump was or planting a new tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Bowie

Use these considerations to make the best tree removal company decision for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

An arborist is a scientific expert who can analyze your tree's requirements and advise you on the appropriate care. This can include revitalizing its health or taking it down if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for pruning, planting and transplanting trees. To work in Bowie, 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 knowledge, experience and skills to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Tree removal contractors should have extensive insurance coverage, including general liability, workers compensation and business liability. These policies help protect you, your property and the company’s workers in the event of an accident. 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

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you decide whether tree removal is a good decision and can underscore the benefits of taking down a potentially hazardous tree. After you call for a TRA, an arborist will evaluate your tree's fall risk and what damage could come from a fall. The arborist will first examine the tree from a distance to look for obvious signs of damage. They will then circle around the tree to inspect its trunk, roots and crown. Some arborists use specific equipment to study the tree's insides.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free consultations and estimates. We recommend getting more than one estimate to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

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