10 best tree removal companies in Hempstead, 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 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 professionals have the proper equipment and experience to safely remove a tree from your property.

It's crucial 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 very dangerous if done improperly. Trying to do the job on your own could lead to property damage or personal injury.

Tree removal specialists have mastered the proper cutting techniques and employ specialized equipment to remove trees in accordance with local ordinances and permit requirements. Working with a reputable tree removal company in Hempstead gives you confidence that the job will be completed safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Hempstead

Look for tree removal companies in Hempstead 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 are encroaching on your home, removal is often the best course of action. The number of decayed trees in Hempstead is relatively low compared to other major metro areas. It's wise to speak with a professional tree removal contractor if you spot any of these indicators:

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

If you spot raised dirt around the base of the trunk, or if the tree is starting to lean, it's in danger of falling. Contact a trusted tree removal provider as soon as you can if you see either of these signs, and have the tree professionally evaluated.

What is a hazard tree?

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

What other tree services might you need?

In addition to removing trees, some tree removal companies offer a variety of supplementary services, such as the following:

• 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.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal contractors can use wood chippers to shred tree trunks and branches. You can use the chips as mulch for your flower beds.
• Stump removal: After removing a tree, only the stump is left. 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 grow back.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that offers landscaping services, the team could help fill up holes or install a fresh tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Hempstead

Use these considerations to make the right tree removal company decision for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A licensed arborist can assess your tree's condition and offer relevant solutions, such as restoring its health or safely removing it to mitigate fall risk. Arborists also provide guidance on pruning, planting and moving trees. New York doesn't have arborist licensing rules, 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 obtain the certification. ISA-certified arborists have the skills, knowledge and experience 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. No state license is required for contractors in New York that only remove trees. We recommend contacting the Hempstead building department and your county to ensure a prospective contractor complies with the requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you evaluate whether tree removal is the best course of action and can underscore the benefits of removing a potentially hazardous tree. During a TRA appointment, an arborist will assess the chance the tree could fall and what damage could ensue. They'll begin by visually examining the tree from afar for clear damage indicators. Next, they'll circle the tree up close, inspecting its trunk, roots and crown. Some arborists use specialized equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask family, neighbors and friends for suggestions on reputable tree removal companies in your area. It's also wise to browse online reviews on sites like Yelp, Google Reviews and BBB.

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.