10 best tree removal companies in Franklin, Wisconsin

Healthy trees elevate your home's curb appeal and provide a shady retreat in your yard. Unhealthy trees, however, can jeopardize your property. Tree removal 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 Franklin can use their equipment and experience to help you safely remove a tree from your property.

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

Tree removal professionals are knowledgeable about the proper cutting techniques and use specialized equipment to remove trees in accordance with local regulations. Choosing a reputable tree removal company in Franklin guarantees that the job will be performed safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Franklin

Look for tree removal companies in Franklin 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 see severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are growing too close to your house. The number of decayed trees in Franklin is above average compared to other American cities. If you see any of the following warning signs, contact a tree removal professional.

The tree's roots are causing your home's foundation to crack or lift. 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 leaves, sap, branches, seeds or needles. The tree or its offshoots are dangerously close to your home, garage or shed. The tree has diseases, mold or pests weakening its structure. The tree has damage from heavy rain or thunderstorms.

If you observe raised dirt around the base of the trunk, or if the tree is beginning to lean, it's more likely to fall. Contact a tree removal expert as soon as possible to assess the extent of the damage and safely remove the tree if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, contain structural defects beyond repair, making them more prone to fall. Falling trees can pose a serious threat to people, property, vehicles and pets. Rotten wood, large cracks, loose bark, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base are all indicators of structural defects. If you suspect your property has a hazard tree, have it removed immediately.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal contractors provide a range of supplementary services in addition to cutting down trees. These may include the following:

• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of branches, logs and leaves to clear. A contractor can use flatbeds or dump trucks to remove debris faster.
• Stump removal: After the team finishes removing your tree, only the stump will be left. You can choose to grind down the stump so it will more easily 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.
• Wood chipping: A tree removal expert can use a wood chipper to chip the trunk and branches following the tree's removal. Afterward, you can spread the mulch in your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that provides landscaping services, the team could help fill up holes or install a fresh tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Franklin

Use these factors to find the right tree removal company for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

Arborists are scientific experts that help you care for your trees. They may recommend restoring the tree's health or removal if a tree has a high fall risk. Arborists can also offer valuable insights on moving, pruning and planting trees for optimal growth and well-being. Wisconsin does not require arborists to be licensed, 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 obtain the 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 with insurance covering business liability, general liability and workers compensation. 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 regulations. Wisconsin doesn't license these companies at the state level. We recommend checking with Franklin building officials 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 a good decision and can underscore the benefits of removing a potentially hazardous tree. During a TRA appointment, an arborist will determine the chance the tree could fall and what damage could ensue. They'll begin by visually examining the tree from afar for clear damage indicators. Next, they'll circle the tree up close, inspecting its trunk, roots and crown. Some arborists use specialized equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

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 neighbors, family and friends for suggestions on reputable tree removal services near you. 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.