10 best tree removal companies in Ellicott City, Maryland

While healthy trees elevate your home's curb appeal and give your yard cooling shade, unhealthy trees create safety concerns for your property. If a tree is decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture, it may be necessary to remove it. Tree removal is also important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. To ensure your hazardous tree gets removed safely, hire licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience.

You should remove trees that are diseased, have a high fall risk, or which are compromising your foundation. However, trying to do it yourself could result in injury or property damage.

Tree removal professionals are knowledgeable about the proper cutting techniques and utilize specialized tools to remove trees in accordance with local regulations. Partnering with a reputable tree removal company in Ellicott City guarantees that the job will be executed safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Ellicott City

Look for tree removal companies in Ellicott City 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 exhibits signs of severe damage or decay, or if its roots have gotten too close to your home, removal is often the optimal decision. The number of decayed trees in Ellicott City is above average compared to other parts of the country. Consider seeking advice from a tree removal specialist if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

If you notice raised dirt close to the tree trunk's base, or if the tree is visibly beginning to lean, it's in danger of falling. If you see either of these signs, contact a qualified tree removal expert right away to assess 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 high risk of falling, it becomes a hazard tree, sometimes called a danger tree. Falling trees can cause considerable property damage and gravely hurt people and pets. Signs of structural defects include large cracks, loose bark, rotten wood, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree in your yard, remove it right away.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal companies offer a variety of services. In addition to removing trees, many companies offer the following:

• Wood chipping: Tree removal specialists can use wood chippers to shred tree trunks and branches. You can use the chips as mulch for your flower beds.
• Stump removal: After the team finishes removing your tree, only the stump will remain. You can choose to grind down the stump so what's left of the tree 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 grow back.
• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of branches, leaves and logs to clear. A contractor can use flatbeds or dump trucks to remove debris faster.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that offers landscaping services, the team could help fill up holes or add a healthy tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Ellicott City

Consider these factors to select the best tree removal company for your needs.

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 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 moving, planting and pruning trees. To work in Ellicott City, 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, knowledge and skills 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 business liability, workers compensation and general liability. This coverage protects you, your property and the company's employees if an accident occurs during the job. 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

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you determine whether tree removal is the right step and can underscore the benefits of removing a potentially hazardous tree. After you request a TRA, an arborist will determine your tree's fall risk and what damage could result from a fall. The arborist will first visually assess the tree from a distance to search for obvious signs of damage. They will then walk 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. Get estimates from multiple companies to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask family, neighbors and friends for recommendations for tree removal companies in your area. It's also wise to browse online reviews on sites like BBB, Yelp and Google Reviews.

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.