10 best tree removal companies in Forest Grove, Oregon

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 decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture. Tree removal is also essential for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Licensed professionals have the proper equipment and experience to safely remove a tree from your property.

It's essential to remove diseased trees, trees with high fall risk and trees that are damaging your foundation. However, performing this task yourself increases the potential for physical harm and damage to your home.

When you hire a reputable tree removal company in Forest Grove, you'll have a skilled team to safely remove trees with specialized cutting equipment and techniques in accordance with the town's ordinances and permit requirements.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Forest Grove

Look for tree removal companies in Forest Grove 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 most advisable step. The number of decayed trees in Forest Grove is low compared to other parts of the country. Consider contacting a tree removal professional if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

Trees that are leaning or have elevated soil around the tree trunk base are at a high risk of falling. Contact a reliable contractor right away if you see either of these signs, and have the tree professionally evaluated.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes referred to as danger trees, have structural defects which are beyond repair, increasing the probability they will fall. Falling trees can cause extensive property damage and seriously injure people and pets. Signs of structural defects include dead branches, rotten wood, large cracks, loose bark 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?

Some tree removal contractors offer an assortment of additional services beyond removing trees. These may include the following:

• Wood chipping: Tree removal teams often use wood chippers to chip tree trunks and branches. If you choose, you can use the chips as mulch to promote plant growth in your garden.
• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain following a tree removal. A professional might recommend completely removing the stump based on the circumstances. They may also grind the stump down so the tree's remnants decompose more quickly. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that the tree won't grow back.
• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of logs, leaves and branches to get off your property. A contractor can use flatbeds or dump trucks to remove debris faster.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that provides landscaping services, the team could help level holes or install a fresh tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Forest Grove

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

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A licensed arborist can assess your tree's condition and offer relevant solutions, such as restoring its health or safely removing it to mitigate fall risk. Arborists also offer guidance on pruning, moving and planting trees. Oregon doesn't have arborist licensing rules, so we recommend looking for an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Arborists must have three years of field experience and pass an exam to get certified. ISA-certified arborists have the skills, experience and knowledge to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, ensure it has comprehensive insurance coverage, including general liability, business liability and workers compensation. This coverage protects you, your property and the company's employees if an accident occurs during the job. In Oregon, tree removal service providers must be licensed either by the Construction Contractors Board (CCB) or the Landscape Contractors Board (LCB). If you also want your provider to plant trees, they must have an LCB license. Be sure to discuss licensing with potential tree removal service providers before hiring.

Request a tree risk assessment

A tree risk assessment (TRA) can help you confirm if removing a potentially dangerous tree is the right step to take. During the TRA, an arborist will evaluate a tree's likelihood of falling and the damage that could result. First, they'll inspect the tree from a distance, looking for obvious damage signs. Next, they'll inspect the crown, trunk and roots by walking around the tree. Some arborists use advanced tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal contractors provide free estimates and consultations. Obtain quotes from at least two providers to assess their prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask for tree removal company referrals from trusted family, friends and neighbors. Even when you get a referral, take the time to read online reviews on Google Reviews, BBB and Yelp to get a well-rounded perspective before you hire.

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.