10 best tree removal companies in Denver, Colorado

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

When you hire a reputable tree removal company in Denver, you'll have a skilled team to safely remove your tree with specialized cutting equipment and techniques in accordance with local requirements.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Denver

Look for tree removal companies in Denver 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 Denver is low compared to other parts of the country. If you notice any of the following warning signs, contact a tree removal specialist.

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

Leaning trees and trees with elevated dirt around their trunk bases are much more likely to fall. If you see either of these signs, contact a professional tree removal team right away to assess the damage and remove the tree before it can cause further damage.

What is a hazard tree?

When a tree has irreparable structural defects that put it at high risk of falling, it becomes a hazard tree, sometimes called a danger tree. A falling tree poses a substantial risk to vehicles, property, people and pets. Signs of structural defects include loose bark, rotten wood, large cracks, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you think your property has a hazard tree, have it removed as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal professionals may offer a range of other services. Along with their main focus removing trees, some companies can help with the following additional services:

• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree branch by branch, they might use a wood chipper to shred the tree parts. Consider giving the tree a second life by using the chips as mulch for your garden.
• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain after a tree removal. A professional might recommend completely removing the stump based on the circumstances. They may also grind the stump so the tree's remnants decompose more easily. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that the tree won't regrow.
• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as branches, logs and leaves. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that provides landscaping services, the team could help fill up holes or add a healthy tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Denver

To find the right tree removal company for your needs, consider 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 needs 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 planting, pruning and moving trees. Colorado 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 get certified. ISA-certified arborists have the skills, knowledge and experience to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, make sure it carries comprehensive insurance, including workers compensation, general liability and business liability. This coverage can financially protect you if an accident happens. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing regulations. Colorado doesn't license these companies at the state level. We recommend checking with the Denver 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. During a TRA appointment, an arborist will assess the chance the tree could fall and what damage could result. They'll begin by looking at the tree from afar for clear damage indicators. Next, they'll walk around the tree up close, inspecting its crown, trunk and roots. Some arborists use specialized equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free estimates and consultations. Get estimates from multiple companies to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask family, friends and neighbors for suggestions on nearby tree removal companies. Even with a trusted referral, it's still important to research a company's reputation by reading reviews on sites like Yelp, Google Reviews and BBB.

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.