10 best tree removal companies in Highlands Ranch, Colorado

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 diseased, decaying 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, call on 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 result in property damage or injury.

When you hire a reputable tree removal company in Highlands Ranch, you'll have a skilled team to safely remove your tree with specialized cutting equipment and techniques in accordance with local regulations.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Highlands Ranch

Look for tree removal companies in Highlands Ranch 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 are encroaching on your home, removal is often the most advisable step. The number of decayed trees in Highlands Ranch is below average compared to other American cities. If you observe any of the following warning signs, contact a tree removal expert.

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

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

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, have irreparable structural defects making them more prone to fall. Falling trees can cause considerable property damage and gravely hurt people and pets. Signs of structural defects include loose bark, dead branches, large cracks, rotten wood 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 contractors may offer a range of other services. Along with their main focus removing trees, some contractors can help with the following additional services:

• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree branch by branch, they might use a wood chipper to further break the brush down. Consider giving the tree a second life by using the chips as mulch for your garden.
• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will be left. 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.
• Debris removal: Debris like leaves, logs and branches is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals also offer landscaping services. When working with one of these companies, you could install a replacement tree or cover the space where the stump was located.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Highlands Ranch

To select 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 condition and offer relevant solutions, such as restoring its health or safely removing it to mitigate fall risk. Arborists also provide guidance on moving, planting and pruning trees. Colorado does not require arborists to hold 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 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 laws. A contractor in Highlands Ranch doesn't need a state license if tree removal is the only service they offer. We recommend checking with Highlands Ranch building officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor meets all requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you determine whether tree removal is the right step and can underscore the benefits of taking down a potentially hazardous tree. To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by looking for clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll walk around the tree, closely inspecting the trunk, crown and roots. Sometimes, arborists use advanced gear to study the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free estimates and consultations. We recommend getting multiple estimates to compare recommendations and prices.

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 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.