10 best tree removal companies in Groton, Connecticut

While healthy trees improve your home's curb appeal and give your yard refreshing shade, unhealthy trees create safety concerns for your property. If a tree is decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture, it may be necessary 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.

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

Tree removal contractors know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized tools to remove trees according to local regulations. By working with a reputable tree removal company in Groton, you can be more confident that the job will get done safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Groton

Look for tree removal companies in Groton 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 showing signs of severe damage or decay, or if it’s encroaching on your home. The number of decayed trees in Groton is marginally low compared to other American cities. Consider seeking advice from a tree removal specialist if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

Leaning trees and trees with elevated dirt surrounding their trunk bases are much more likely to fall. Contact a reputable tree removal company right away if you notice either of these signs, and have the tree professionally assessed.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have structural defects that cannot be fixed, increasing the chance of them falling. A falling tree poses a major risk to people, vehicles, property and pets. Signs of a structural defect include rotten wood, large cracks, dead branches, loose bark and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, remove it as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal experts may offer a range of other services. Along with their main focus removing trees, some companies can help with these other jobs:

• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as leaves, logs and branches. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will remain. You can grind the stump down so it will more easily decompose. A more expensive option is to completely remove the stump, which guarantees the tree won't grow back.
• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree section by section, they might use a wood chipper to shred the tree parts. Consider giving the tree a second life by using the chips as mulch for your garden.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can help you fill 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 Groton

Find the right tree removal company for your project 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 planting, moving and pruning trees. Arborists in Groton 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

When hiring a tree removal company, ensure it carries comprehensive insurance coverage, including workers compensation, business liability and general liability. This coverage safeguards you, your property and the company's employees if an accident occurs during the job. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing requirements. A contractor in Groton doesn't need a state license if tree removal is the only service they offer. We recommend contacting the Groton building department and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you determine whether tree removal is a good decision and highlights the benefits of removing a potentially hazardous tree. During the TRA, an arborist will assess a tree's likelihood of falling and the damage that could result. First, they'll visually evaluate the tree from a distance, looking for obvious damage signs. Next, they'll inspect the crown, roots and trunk by walking around the tree. Some arborists use specific tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask family, friends and neighbors for suggestions on reputable tree removal services near you. It's also wise to check 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.