10 best tree removal companies in Chester, Pennsylvania

Healthy trees improve your home's curb appeal and give welcome shade to your yard. However, unhealthy trees can pose serious risks to your property. If a tree is decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture, you might need to remove it. Tree removal is also important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Entrust the job to licensed professionals who have the right equipment and experience to safely remove hazard trees 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. Attempting to do the job on your own could lead to personal injury or property damage.

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

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Chester

Look for tree removal companies in Chester 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 Chester is relatively high compared to other small towns. Consider seeking advice from a tree removal specialist if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

If you notice raised dirt around the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is beginning to lean, it's more likely to fall. 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?

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 could damage or injure property, people, pets and vehicles. A few signs that a tree has structural defects 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, get it removed without delay.

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:

• Wood chipping: Tree removal crews often use wood chippers to shred tree trunks and branches. If you'd like, you can use the chips as mulch to improve your other plants' growth.
• Debris removal: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover leaves, logs and branches 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 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: If you hire a tree removal company that offers landscaping services, the team could help fill leftover holes or plant a new, healthy tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Chester

To find the right tree removal company for your needs, think about these factors.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A tree removal company's staff arborist is the right expert to get your tree care questions answered. They'll tap into their extensive scientific training to evaluate your tree's specific requirements and provide the necessary treatments, including restoration or removal if the tree poses a falling hazard. Arborists are also a valuable resource for advice on pruning, moving and planting trees. Pennsylvania does not require arborists to be licensed, so we recommend looking for an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Arborists must have three years of field experience and pass an exam to get certified. ISA-certified arborists have the experience, knowledge and skills to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, ensure it has comprehensive insurance coverage, including business liability, general liability and workers compensation. This coverage protects you, your property and the company's employees if an accident occurs during the job. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing requirements. Pennsylvania doesn't license these companies at the state level. We recommend checking with the Chester government and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

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

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal contractors offer free consultations and service estimates. Obtain quotes from multiple companies to assess their prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask for tree removal company referrals from trusted friends, neighbors and family. Even if someone you trust refers you, take the time to read online reviews on BBB, Yelp and Google Reviews 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.