10 best tree removal companies in Branford, Connecticut

While healthy trees elevate 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, you may need 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.

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

When you hire a reputable tree removal company in Branford, you'll have a skilled team to safely remove your tree with specialized cutting techniques and equipment in accordance with local regulations.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Branford

Look for tree removal companies in Branford 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 Branford is somewhat high compared to other parts of the country. Seek advice from a tree removal expert if you see any of the following signs:

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

Leaning trees and trees with raised dirt around their trunk bases are at higher risk of falling. Contact a reputable tree removal company right away if you notice either of these signs, and have the tree professionally examined.

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 could seriously endanger pets, property, vehicles and people. Rotten wood, large cracks, loose bark, dead branches 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 right away.

What other tree services might you need?

Apart from cutting down trees, some tree removal companies offer a range of additional services, including these:

• 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: A tree removal specialist can use a wood chipper to shred the trunk and branches following the tree's removal. Afterward, you can add the chips and mulch to your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will be left. You can grind the stump down so what's left of the tree can decompose. A more expensive option is to completely remove the stump, which guarantees the tree won't grow back.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can help you fill 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 Branford

Find the right tree removal company for your job using these considerations.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

Arborists are expert consultants that help you care for your trees. They may recommend health restoration services for your tree or removal if a tree has a high fall risk. Arborists can also offer valuable insights on planting, moving and pruning trees for optimal growth and well-being. Arborists in Branford need a license from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). 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 companies should have an extensive insurance policy, including business liability, workers compensation and general liability. These policies help protect you, your property and the company’s workers in the event of an accident. City and county governments often set their own tree removal licensing requirements. Connecticut doesn't license these companies at the state level. We recommend contacting Branford building officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

By getting a tree risk assessment (TRA), you'll get a professional opinion on whether removing a tree is necessary. The assessment also outlines the risks of keeping a potentially hazardous tree. During the TRA, an arborist will evaluate a tree's likelihood of falling and the damage that could result. First, they'll visually evaluate the tree from a distance, looking for obvious damage signs. Next, they'll inspect the trunk, roots and crown by circling around the tree. Some arborists use specific tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free estimates and consultations. We recommend getting at least two estimates to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

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

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.