10 best tree removal companies in Freeport, New York

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 diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture. Tree removal is also crucial 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.

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

Tree removal experts are trained in the proper cutting techniques and employ specialized machinery to remove trees in compliance with local ordinances. By partnering with a reputable tree removal company in Freeport, you can be assured that the job will be completed safely and to a high standard.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Freeport

Look for tree removal companies in Freeport 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 observe severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are encroaching on your house. The number of decayed trees in Freeport is somewhat low compared to other parts of the country. Consider contacting a tree removal specialist if any of the following apply to your tree:

The tree is visibly dead or severely burned. 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 is dropping far more needles, leaves, sap, branches or seeds than usual. The tree has mold, pests or diseases weakening its structure. The tree or its branches are dangerously close to your home or another structure on your property.

Leaning trees and trees with elevated dirt around their trunk bases are at higher risk of falling. If you notice either of these signs, contact a professional tree removal team right away to assess the damage and safely remove the tree before it causes harm.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes referred to as danger trees, have structural defects which are beyond repair, increasing the chance of them falling. Falling trees can pose a significant threat to vehicles, people, property and pets. Signs of a structural defect include dead branches, loose bark, large cracks, rotten wood and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it removed 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 to improve plant growth.
• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as leaves, branches and logs. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• Stump removal: After cutting down a tree, only the stump remains. Depending on your budget and needs, a service professional can remove the stump altogether 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 regrow.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals double as landscapers. If you hire one of these companies, you could add a fresh tree or fill the hole where the stump was located.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Freeport

Think about these factors to choose the right tree removal company for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

An arborist is a scientific professional who can examine your tree's requirements and advise you on the proper care. This can include restoring its health or removing it if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for planting, transplanting and pruning trees. New York 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 earn certification. ISA-certified arborists have the experience, knowledge and skills to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, ensure it carries comprehensive insurance coverage, including workers compensation, general liability and business liability. This coverage can financially protect you if an accident happens. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing requirements. A contractor in Freeport doesn't need a state license if tree removal is their only service. We recommend checking with Freeport building officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

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. After you call for a TRA, an arborist will determine your tree's potential to fall and what damage could come from a fall. The arborist will first examine the tree from a distance to look for obvious signs of damage. They will then circle around the tree to inspect its trunk, roots and crown. Some arborists use particular equipment to study the tree's insides.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends, neighbors and family to recommend reputable tree removal companies. Even with a trusted referral, it's still important to verify a company's reputation by reading 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.