10 best tree removal companies in Bristol, Connecticut

While healthy trees improve your home's curb appeal and give your yard cooling shade, unhealthy trees pose significant risks for 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. To ensure your hazardous tree gets removed safely, call on licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience.

It's crucial 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 personal injury and damage to your home.

Tree removal professionals are knowledgeable about the proper cutting techniques and employ specialized equipment to remove trees while adhering to local ordinances. Working with a reputable tree removal company in Bristol ensures that the job will be executed safely and to the highest standards.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Bristol

Look for tree removal companies in Bristol 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 Bristol is average compared to other American cities. If you observe any of the following warning signs, contact a tree removal specialist.

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 has mold, diseases or pests weakening its structure. The tree is dropping far more sap, leaves, seeds, branches or needles than usual. The tree is severely burned or visibly dead. The tree or its offshoots are too close to your home, garage or shed. The tree's trunk or branches are cracked and won't heal.

Trees that are leaning or have elevated soil surrounding the tree trunk base are more likely to fall. Contact a tree removal professional as soon as possible to assess the extent of the damage and take down the tree if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, have irreparable structural defects making them more likely to fall. A falling tree could seriously endanger vehicles, property, pets and people. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include loose bark, dead branches, large cracks, rotten wood and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it removed without delay.

What other tree services might you need?

Apart from removing trees, some tree removal companies offer a variety of extra services, such as these:

• Stump removal: After the team finishes removing your tree, only the stump will be left. You can choose to grind down the stump so it will more easily decompose. A contractor can also remove the stump altogether in some cases. While this is more expensive than grinding, it guarantees the tree won't grow back.
• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of branches, logs and leaves to clear. A contractor can use flatbeds or dump trucks to remove debris faster.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal specialists can use wood chippers to shred tree trunks and branches. You can keep the chips and spread them in your gardens as mulch.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals also offer landscaping services. If you hire one of these companies, you could install a replacement tree or level the area where the stump was located.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Bristol

Follow these steps to make the most informed tree removal company decision for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A licensed arborist can assess your tree's condition and offer suitable solutions, such as restoring its health or safely removing it to mitigate fall risk. Arborists also provide guidance on pruning, planting and moving trees. Arborists in Bristol 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

Choose a tree removal company with insurance covering business liability, general liability and workers compensation. A contractor's insurance policy acts 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 regulations. No state license is required for contractors in Connecticut that only remove trees. We recommend contacting the Bristol government and your county to ensure a prospective contractor complies with the requirements.

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 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 look for obvious signs of damage. They will then walk around the tree to inspect its roots, crown and trunk. Some arborists use specific equipment to study the tree's insides.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask people you know for tree removal contractor suggestions. While suggestions from loved ones are helpful, it's important to read online reviews on BBB, Yelp and Google Reviews before making your choice.

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.