10 best tree removal companies in Columbia, Maryland

Healthy trees elevate your home's curb appeal and offer a shady retreat in your yard. Unhealthy trees, however, can compromise your property. Removing a tree may be necessary if it is 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 tree removal professionals in Columbia can use their equipment and experience to help you safely remove a tree from your property.

It's crucial to remove diseased trees, trees with high fall risk and trees that are damaging your foundation. However, doing this task yourself increases the potential for injury and damage to your home.

Tree removal professionals are knowledgeable about the proper cutting techniques and utilize specialized tools to remove trees in accordance with local ordinances and permit requirements. Partnering with a reputable tree removal company in Columbia gives you confidence that the job will be performed safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Columbia

Look for tree removal companies in Columbia 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 shows 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 Columbia is above average compared to other parts of the country. It's wise to speak with a professional tree removal contractor if you observe any of these alerts:

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

Trees that are leaning or have elevated soil surrounding the tree trunk base are at a high risk of falling. If you notice either of these signs, contact a professional tree removal team right away to assess the damage and safely remove the tree before it causes harm.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, have irreparable structural defects making them more likely to fall. Falling trees can cause extensive property damage and gravely hurt people and pets. Signs of a structural defect include rotten wood, loose bark, large cracks, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it removed right away.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal contractors may offer a range of other services. Besides their main focus removing trees, some contractors can help with these other jobs:

• Stump removal: After the team finishes removing your tree, only the stump will remain. You can choose to grind down the stump so the tree's remains will decompose. A contractor can also completely remove the stump in some cases. While this is more expensive than grinding, it guarantees the tree won't regrow.
• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as logs, branches and leaves. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal teams 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.
• 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 Columbia

To select 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 go-to expert to get your tree care questions answered. They'll tap into their extensive scientific training to examine your tree's specific needs and provide the necessary treatments, including health restoration or removal if the tree poses a falling hazard. Arborists are also a valuable resource for advice on planting, moving and pruning trees. To work in Columbia, an arborist needs a Tree Expert license from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. 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

Choose a tree removal company carrying insurance for general liability, business liability and workers compensation. A contractor's insurance policy serves as a safety net for you, your property and the company's team members in case something goes wrong while they work. All tree care professionals in Maryland must be Licensed Tree Experts (LTEs) through the Department of Natural Resources. To become an LTE, individuals must demonstrate appropriate education and experience and must carry appropriate insurance. Ensure that potential tree removal service providers are licensed before hiring.

Request a tree risk assessment

By getting a tree risk assessment (TRA), you'll receive professional advice on whether removing a tree is required. The assessment also details 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, crown and roots by circling around the tree. Some arborists use advanced 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 recommendations and prices.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask those closest to you for tree removal contractor recommendations. While a personal recommendation can be helpful, it's important to read online reviews on Google Reviews, Yelp and BBB 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.