10 best tree removal companies in Burien, 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 decaying, diseased 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 equipment and experience to safely remove a tree from your property.

It's crucial to get rid of diseased trees with higher fall risk, as well as trees impacting your home's foundation and structural integrity. The task, however, is extremely dangerous if done improperly. Trying to do the job alone could lead to property damage or personal injury.

Tree removal professionals understand the proper cutting techniques and use specialized tools to remove trees while adhering to local ordinances and permit requirements. Working with a reputable tree removal company in Burien guarantees that the job will be executed safely and to the highest standards.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Burien

Look for tree removal companies in Burien 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 shows indications 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 Burien is marginally high compared to other American cities. If you observe any of the following warning signs, contact a tree removal professional.

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

Leaning trees or trees with raised dirt surrounding the tree trunk base are at a high risk of falling. Contact a tree removal expert 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, sometimes called danger trees, have irreparable structural defects that make them more likely to fall. A falling tree could damage or injure vehicles, property, pets and people. Signs of a structural defect include dead branches, large cracks, loose bark, rotten wood and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, have it removed right away.

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 contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover branches, leaves and logs away from your home.
• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will be left. You can grind the stump down so it will more easily decompose. A more expensive option is to remove the stump altogether, which guarantees the tree won't grow back.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal professionals can use wood chippers to break down tree trunks and branches. You can keep the chips and spread them in your gardens as mulch.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal providers also offer 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 Burien

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 professional who can examine your tree's requirements and advise you on the proper care. This can include revitalizing its health or removing it if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for transplanting, pruning and planting trees. Washington does not require arborists to get 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 earn 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 insured for workers compensation, business liability and general liability. A contractor's insurance policy is 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

A tree risk assessment (TRA) can help you confirm if removing a potentially dangerous tree is necessary. During a TRA appointment, an arborist will assess the chance the tree could fall and what damage could ensue. They'll begin by looking at the tree from afar for clear damage indicators. Next, they'll circle the tree up close, inspecting its roots, trunk and crown. Some arborists use specialized equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends and family to recommend reputable tree removal companies. Even with a personal recommendation it's, it's still important to research a company's reputation by reading 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.