10 best tree removal companies in Cheshire, Connecticut

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 important 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 risky if done improperly. Trying to do the job alone could lead to personal injury or property damage.

Tree removal professionals know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized machinery to remove trees according to local ordinances. By working with a reputable tree removal company in Cheshire, you can be more confident that the job will get done safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Cheshire

Look for tree removal companies in Cheshire 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?

When a tree exhibits signs of severe damage or decay, or if its roots have gotten too close to your home, removal is often the best course of action. The number of decayed trees in Cheshire is average compared to other parts of the country. If you observe any of the following signs, contact a tree removal professional.

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

If you observe raised dirt around the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is starting to lean, it's more likely to fall. Contact a tree removal contractor as soon as possible to evaluate the extent of the damage and take down the tree if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

When a tree has irreparable structural defects that put it at elevated risk of falling, it becomes a hazard tree, sometimes called a danger tree. A falling tree poses a significant risk to property, people, pets and vehicles. Rotten wood, dead branches, large cracks, loose bark 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 immediately.

What other tree services might you need?

In addition to cutting down trees, some tree removal companies offer a variety of supplementary services, including these:

• Wood chipping: A tree removal specialist can use a wood chipper to shred the trunk and branches once the tree is cut down. Afterward, you can spread the mulch in your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain once a tree removal job is complete. A professional might recommend completely removing the stump based on the circumstances. They may also grind the stump down so the tree's remnants decompose more quickly. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that the tree won't grow back.
• Debris removal: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover leaves, logs and branches away from your home.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal providers also offer landscaping services. This could include leveling and repurposing the area where the tree stump was or planting a new tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Cheshire

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

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A licensed arborist can assess your tree's health and offer appropriate solutions, such as restoring its health or safely removing it to mitigate fall risk. Arborists also offer guidance on planting, pruning and moving trees. Arborists in Cheshire 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 experience, skills and knowledge to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, make sure it has comprehensive insurance, including workers compensation, general liability and business liability. This coverage protects you, your property and the company's employees if an accident occurs during the job. City and county governments often set their own tree removal licensing requirements. No state license is required for contractors in Connecticut that only remove trees. We recommend contacting the Cheshire building department 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 required. The assessment also outlines the risks of keeping a potentially hazardous tree. To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by looking for clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll walk around the tree, closely inspecting the roots, crown and trunk. Sometimes, arborists use advanced gear to study the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal contractors provide free estimates and consultations. Obtain quotes from multiple 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, BBB and Yelp 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.