10 best tree removal companies in Guilford, Connecticut

Healthy trees add to your home's curb appeal and create a shady retreat in your yard. Unhealthy trees, however, can threaten your property. Tree removal may be necessary if it is diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture. Tree removal is also important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Licensed tree removal professionals in Guilford can use their equipment and experience to help you safely remove a tree from your property.

Removing diseased trees and other trees with high fall risk is vital for your property's health. However, attempting to tackle the project yourself could result in serious injury and expensive property damage.

Tree removal experts know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized machinery to remove trees according to local ordinances. By working with a reputable tree removal company in Guilford, you can be more confident that the job will get done safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Guilford

Look for tree removal companies in Guilford 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 Guilford is somewhat high compared to other small towns. If you observe any of the following warning signs, consider hiring a tree removal specialist.

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

If you notice raised dirt near the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is visibly starting to lean, it's at risk of falling. Contact a tree removal service immediately to assess the tree and help remove it if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

When a tree has irreparable structural defects that put it at significant risk of falling, it becomes a hazard tree, sometimes called a danger tree. Falling trees can cause considerable property damage and seriously injure people and pets. Rotten wood, large cracks, loose bark, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base are all indicators of structural defects. If you have a hazard tree in your yard, get it taken down as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Apart from removing trees, some tree removal companies offer a range of supplementary services, including the following:

• Wood chipping: A tree removal professional can use a wood chipper to shred the trunk and branches once the tree is cut down. Afterward, you can add the chips and mulch to your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain following a tree removal. A professional might recommend removing the stump altogether based on the circumstances. They may also grind the stump down 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: 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 Guilford

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

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

An arborist is a scientific specialist who can analyze your tree's needs 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 transplanting, planting and pruning trees. Arborists in Guilford 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 knowledge, experience and skills to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Tree removal contractors should have an extensive insurance policy, including workers compensation, general liability and business liability. These policies help protect you, your property and the company’s workers in the event of an accident. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing requirements. A contractor in Guilford doesn't need a state license if tree removal is the only service they offer. We recommend contacting Guilford building officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

To determine if removing a tree is necessary, get a professional tree risk assessment (TRA). 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 trunk, crown and roots by walking around the tree. Some arborists use advanced tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask for tree removal company referrals from trusted friends, family and neighbors. Even when you get a referral, take the time to read online reviews on BBB, Yelp and Google Reviews 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.