10 best tree removal companies in East Chicago, Indiana

Healthy trees add to your home's curb appeal and create a shady retreat in your yard. Unhealthy trees, however, can threaten 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 East Chicago can use their equipment and experience to help you safely remove a tree from your property.

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

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

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in East Chicago

Look for tree removal companies in East Chicago 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?

You should trim or remove a tree if it’s showing signs of severe damage or decay, or if it’s growing too close to your home. The number of decayed trees in East Chicago is low compared to other small towns. Consider seeking advice from a tree removal expert if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

Leaning trees or trees with elevated soil around the tree trunk base are more likely to fall. Contact a tree removal contractor as soon as possible to assess the extent of the damage and safely remove the tree if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

When a tree has irreparable structural defects that put it at significant risk of falling, it becomes a hazard tree, sometimes called a danger tree. A falling tree poses a substantial risk to pets, property, vehicles and people. Signs of structural defects include dead branches, rotten wood, loose bark, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree in your yard, get it taken down right away.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal contractors provide an assortment of supplementary services apart from removing trees. These may include the following:

• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will remain. 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.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal specialists can use wood chippers to break down tree trunks and branches. You can use the chips as mulch for your flower beds.
• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as logs, leaves and branches. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can help you fill holes left over from stump removal or plant a new tree where your old one stood.

How to choose the best tree removal service in East Chicago

Find the right tree removal company for your job based on 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 assess your tree's health 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. Indiana 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 earn certification. 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 carries comprehensive insurance coverage, 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 requirements. Indiana doesn't license these companies at the state level. We recommend checking with East Chicago officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor meets all requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

By getting a tree risk assessment (TRA), you'll receive professional advice on whether removing a tree is necessary. The assessment also presents 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 inspecting the tree from afar for clear damage indicators. Next, they'll circle the tree up close, inspecting its roots, trunk and crown. Some arborists use specialized equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Most tree removal companies provide complimentary estimates and consultations. Collect estimates from at least two providers and compare rates to find the best value.

Read reviews from homeowners

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

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.