10 best tree removal companies in East Haven, Connecticut

Healthy trees elevate 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 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. Entrust the job to licensed professionals with 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 very risky if done improperly. Attempting to do the job alone could lead to property damage or personal injury.

Tree removal experts understand the proper cutting techniques and use specialized machinery to remove trees while adhering to local ordinances and permit requirements. Partnering with a reputable tree removal company in East Haven guarantees that the job will be executed safely and to the highest standards.

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

Look for tree removal companies in East Haven 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 notice severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are encroaching on your house. The number of decayed trees in East Haven is marginally high compared to other parts of the country. It's wise to contact a professional tree removal contractor if you spot any of these indicators:

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

Trees that are leaning or have raised dirt around the tree trunk base are at a high risk of falling. Contact a tree removal service immediately to assess the tree and safely remove it if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have structural defects that cannot be fixed, increasing the likelihood they will fall. A falling tree poses a significant risk to vehicles, pets, people and property. Signs of 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 immediately.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal companies provide an assortment of supplementary services beyond removing trees. These may include the following:

• Debris removal: Debris like leaves, branches and logs is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal contractors can use wood chippers to shred tree trunks and branches. You can use the chips as mulch for your flower beds.
• Stump removal: After cutting down a tree, only the stump is left. Depending on your budget and needs, a service professional can completely remove the stump 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 grow back.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can assist in covering 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 Haven

Find the right tree removal company for your project based on 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 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. Arborists in East Haven need a license from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). 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 skills, experience 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 has comprehensive insurance coverage, including business liability, workers compensation and general liability. This coverage safeguards you, your property and the company's employees if an accident occurs during the job. City and county governments often set their own tree removal licensing requirements. A contractor in East Haven doesn't need a state license if tree removal is the only service they offer. We recommend contacting the East Haven 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 decide whether tree removal is the right step and can underscore the benefits of taking down a potentially hazardous tree. To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by looking for clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll circle around the tree, closely inspecting the crown, trunk and roots. Sometimes, arborists use specialized gear to study the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends, family and neighbors for suggestions on reputable tree removal services near you. It's also wise to read online 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.