10 best tree removal companies in Greenwich, Connecticut

Healthy trees enhance your home's curb appeal and give welcome shade to your yard. However, unhealthy trees can pose serious risks to your property. If a tree is diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture, you might need to remove it. Tree removal is also important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Entrust the job to licensed professionals who have the right equipment and experience to safely remove hazard trees from your property.

It's crucial to remove diseased trees with higher fall risk, as well as trees impacting your home's foundation and structural integrity. The task, however, is very hazardous if done improperly. Attempting to do the job on your own could result in property damage or personal injury.

Tree removal specialists are well-versed in the proper cutting techniques and use specialized tools to remove trees in compliance with local ordinances. By choosing a reputable tree removal company in Greenwich, you can trust that the job will be completed safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Greenwich

Look for tree removal companies in Greenwich 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 shows 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 Greenwich is average compared to other parts of the country. Consider seeking advice from a tree removal specialist if any of the following apply to your tree:

The tree has diseases, mold or pests weakening its structure. The tree's branches or trunk are cracked and won't heal. The tree has damage from heavy rain or thunderstorms. The tree is dropping far more needles, branches, seeds, leaves or sap than usual. The tree's roots are making your home's foundation crack or lift. The tree or its branches are too close to your home, garage or shed. The tree is severely burned or visibly dead.

If you notice raised dirt around the tree trunk's base, or if the tree is visibly starting to lean, it's at a high risk of falling. Contact a tree removal expert as soon as possible to review the extent of the damage and take down the tree if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have irreparable structural defects that make them more likely to fall. A falling tree could seriously endanger people, property, vehicles and pets. Rotten wood, dead branches, large cracks, loose bark and hollow cavities near the tree base are all indicators of structural defects. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it taken down right away.

What other tree services might you need?

Apart from cutting down trees, some tree removal companies offer a range of supplementary services, such as the following:

• Wood chipping: Tree removal professionals often use wood chippers to break down tree trunks and branches. If you choose, you can use the chips as mulch to improve your other plants' growth.
• Debris removal: Debris like logs, branches and leaves is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Stump removal: After cutting down a tree, only the stump remains. Depending 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 regrow.
• 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 Greenwich

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 expert consultants that help you care for your trees. They may recommend health restoration services for your tree or removal if a tree has a high fall risk. Arborists can also offer valuable insights on pruning, moving and planting trees to help them grow properly and last for years. Arborists in Greenwich need a license from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). They can also pursue a private certification from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Certification requires three years of experience and passage of an exam. Licensed and ISA Certified arborists have the experience, knowledge and skills to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company carrying insurance for 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. A contractor in Greenwich doesn't need a state license if tree removal is the only service they offer. We recommend contacting the Greenwich building department and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

By getting a tree risk assessment (TRA), you'll receive expert recommendations on whether removing a tree is required. The assessment also details the risks of keeping a potentially hazardous tree. During a TRA appointment, an arborist will determine the chance the tree could fall and what damage could result. They'll begin by looking at the tree from afar for clear damage indicators. Next, they'll circle the tree up close, inspecting its crown, roots and trunk. Some arborists use specialized equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free estimates and consultations. Get estimates from more than one company to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask for tree removal company referrals from trusted friends, neighbors and family. Even if someone you trust refers you, take the time to read online reviews on Yelp, Google Reviews and BBB 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.