10 best tree removal companies in Gresham, Oregon

While healthy trees improve your home's curb appeal and give your yard welcome shade, unhealthy trees pose significant risks for your property. If a tree is decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture, you may need 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, hire licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience.

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 extremely dangerous if done improperly. Attempting to do the job by yourself could result in property damage or personal injury.

Tree removal specialists are trained in the proper cutting techniques and utilize specialized equipment to remove trees in compliance with local ordinances. When you work with a reputable tree removal company in Gresham, you can trust that the job will be completed safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Gresham

Look for tree removal companies in Gresham 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 Gresham is below average compared to other parts of the country. If you observe any of the following signs, consider hiring a tree removal expert.

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

If you see raised dirt around the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is visibly starting to lean, it's in danger of falling. If you notice either of these signs, contact a professional tree removal team right away to assess the damage and remove the tree before it can cause further damage.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have structural defects that cannot be fixed, increasing the chance of them falling. Falling trees can pose a significant threat to property, pets, people and vehicles. 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, don't wait to remove it as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Apart from removing trees, some tree removal companies offer a variety of extra services, including these:

• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain after a tree removal. A professional might recommend removing the stump altogether 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 regrow.
• Debris removal: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover leaves, logs and branches away from your home.
• Wood chipping: A tree removal specialist can use a wood chipper to break down the trunk and branches following the tree's removal. Afterward, you can spread the mulch in your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal providers provide landscaping services. These services might include leveling and repurposing the area where the tree stump was or planting a new tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Gresham

To choose the best tree removal company for your needs, consider these factors.

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 provide guidance on pruning, planting and moving trees. Oregon 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 get certified. ISA-certified arborists have the knowledge, experience and skills to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Tree removal companies should have extensive insurance coverage, including general liability, workers compensation and business liability. These policies help protect you, your property and the company’s workers in the event of an accident. In Oregon, tree removal service providers must be licensed either by the Construction Contractors Board (CCB) or the Landscape Contractors Board (LCB). If you also want your provider to plant trees, they must have an LCB license. Be sure to discuss licensing with potential tree removal service providers before hiring.

Request a tree risk assessment

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you evaluate whether tree removal is the best course of action and highlights 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 inspecting the tree from afar for clear damage indicators. Next, they'll circle the tree up close, inspecting its crown, trunk and roots. Some arborists use specialized equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask people you know for tree removal company recommendations. While suggestions from loved ones are insightful, take time to read online reviews on Yelp, BBB and Google Reviews before making your choice.

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.