10 best tree removal companies in Fort Collins, Colorado

While healthy trees enhance your home's curb appeal and give your yard cooling shade, unhealthy trees pose significant risks 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, turn to licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience.

You should prioritize removing trees that are diseased, have a high fall risk, or which are damaging your foundation. However, attempting to do it yourself could lead to property damage or injury.

Tree removal professionals understand the proper cutting techniques and employ specialized equipment to remove trees in accordance with local regulations. Working with a reputable tree removal company in Fort Collins gives you confidence that the job will be completed safely and to the highest standards.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Fort Collins

Look for tree removal companies in Fort Collins 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 displaying evidence of severe damage or decay, or if it’s encroaching on your home. The number of decayed trees in Fort Collins is below average compared to other American cities. If you notice any of the following signs, contact a tree removal specialist.

The tree is dropping an unusual amount of leaves, sap, needles, branches or seeds. The tree has damage from heavy rain or thunderstorms. The tree's branches or trunk are cracked and won't heal. 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 or its branches are dangerously close to your home, garage or shed.

If you notice raised dirt near the tree trunk's base, or if the tree is visibly starting to lean, it's at risk of falling. Contact a tree removal contractor immediately to assess the tree and help remove it if necessary.

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. Falling trees can pose a serious threat to property, pets, vehicles and people. Rotten wood, large cracks, loose bark, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base are all indicators of structural defects. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it removed immediately.

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 professionals 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.
• Stump removal: After removing a tree, only the stump remains. Based 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: If you hire a tree removal company that offers landscaping services, the team could help level holes or add a healthy tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Fort Collins

To find the right tree removal company for your needs, keep these factors in mind.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

An arborist is a scientific professional who can study your tree's requirements and advise you on the appropriate care. This can include rejuvenating its health or removing it if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for transplanting, planting and pruning trees. Colorado does not require arborists to get a license, 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 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. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing laws. A contractor in Fort Collins doesn't need a state license if tree removal is all they offer. We recommend contacting Fort Collins officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor complies with the requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

By getting a tree risk assessment (TRA), you'll receive expert recommendations on whether removing a tree is essential. The assessment also outlines the risks of keeping a potentially hazardous tree. To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by identifying clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll circle around the tree, closely inspecting the roots, trunk and crown. Sometimes, arborists use advanced gear to evaluate the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal contractors offer free estimates and consultations. Obtain quotes from multiple companies to assess their prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

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