10 best tree removal companies in Greenburgh, 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 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 important to get rid of diseased trees with higher fall risk, as well as trees impacting your home's foundation and structural integrity. The task, however, is extremely risky if done improperly. Trying to do the job on your own could lead to property damage or personal injury.

When you hire a reputable tree removal company in Greenburgh, you'll have a skilled team to safely remove trees with specialized cutting techniques and equipment in accordance with local regulations.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Greenburgh

Look for tree removal companies in Greenburgh 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 Greenburgh is comparatively high compared to other parts of the country. Consider seeking advice from a tree removal expert if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

If you see raised dirt around the tree trunk's base, or if the tree is visibly beginning to lean, it's at risk of falling. Contact a tree removal professional immediately to assess the tree and safely remove it if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have structural defects that cannot be fixed, increasing the likelihood they will fall. Falling trees can cause significant property damage and severely harm people and pets. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include dead branches, rotten wood, large cracks, loose bark and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, don't wait to remove it as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Apart from cutting down trees, some tree removal companies offer a variety of supplementary services, including these:

• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain once a tree removal job is complete. A professional might recommend completely removing the stump based on the circumstances. They may also grind the stump 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.
• Wood chipping: A tree removal professional can use a wood chipper to break down the trunk and branches after the tree has been removed. Afterward, you can add the chips and mulch to your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Debris removal: Debris like branches, leaves and logs is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can assist in covering holes left over from stump removal or plant a fresh tree where your old one stood.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Greenburgh

Find the right tree removal company for your job using these considerations.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A licensed arborist can assess your tree's health and offer suitable solutions, such as restoring its health or safely removing it to mitigate fall risk. Arborists also offer guidance on pruning, moving and planting trees. New York 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 experience, knowledge and skills to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, ensure it has comprehensive insurance, including business liability, general liability and workers compensation. This coverage protects you, your property and the company's employees if an accident occurs during the job. City and county governments often set their own tree removal licensing requirements. No state license is required for contractors in New York that only remove trees. We recommend checking with Greenburgh building officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor meets all requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

By getting a tree risk assessment (TRA), you'll receive professional advice on whether removing a tree is required. The assessment also presents the risks of keeping a potentially hazardous tree. After you ask for a TRA, an arborist will determine your tree's fall risk and what damage could come from a fall. The arborist will first examine the tree from a distance to identify obvious signs of damage. They will then circle around the tree to inspect its roots, crown and trunk. Some arborists use specialized equipment to study the tree's insides.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free consultations and estimates. We recommend getting more than one estimate to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask people you trust to recommend reputable tree removal companies. Even with a trusted referral, it's still important to research 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.