10 best tree removal companies in Des Moines, Washington

Healthy trees elevate your home's curb appeal and give welcome shade to your yard. However, unhealthy trees can present significant dangers to your property. If a tree is diseased, decaying 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. Turn to licensed professionals who have the right equipment and experience to safely remove hazard trees from your property.

Removing diseased trees and other trees with high fall risk is important for your property's safety. However, trying to tackle the project yourself could result in serious injury and costly property damage.

Tree removal professionals are well-versed in the proper cutting techniques and utilize specialized machinery to remove trees in compliance with local regulations. When you work with a reputable tree removal company in Des Moines, you can trust that the job will be completed safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Des Moines

Look for tree removal companies in Des Moines 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 Des Moines is somewhat high compared to other parts of the country. If you see any of the following warning signs, contact a tree removal specialist.

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

Trees that are leaning or have raised dirt around the tree trunk base are at a high risk of falling. If you see either of these signs, contact a professional tree removal team right away to evaluate the damage and safely remove the tree before it causes harm.

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 major risk to vehicles, pets, people and property. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include large cracks, rotten wood, loose bark, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, don't wait to have it removed as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal contractors provide an assortment of additional services apart from cutting down trees. These may include the following:

• Stump removal: After cutting down a tree, only the stump is left. Depending on your budget and needs, a service professional can remove the stump altogether or grind it down so what's left of it will decompose. Removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees the tree won't regrow.
• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree section by section, 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.
• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of leaves, logs and branches to get off your property. A contractor can use flatbeds or dump trucks to remove debris faster.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can help you fill holes left over from stump removal or plant a healthy tree where your old one stood.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Des Moines

Find the right tree removal company for your job by considering 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 provide guidance on moving, pruning and planting trees. Washington doesn't have arborist licensing rules, 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

Choose a tree removal company insured for business liability, workers compensation 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 decide if removing a potentially dangerous tree is the best decision. After you request a TRA, an arborist will evaluate your tree's fall risk 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 circle around the tree to inspect its roots, crown and trunk. Some arborists use particular equipment to study the tree's insides.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free consultations and estimates. We recommend getting multiple estimates to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask those closest to you for tree removal contractor suggestions. While suggestions from loved ones are valuable, it's still wise to read online reviews on Google Reviews, BBB and Yelp 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.