10 best tree removal companies in Ilchester, Maryland

Healthy trees elevate your home's curb appeal and provide a shady retreat in your yard. Unhealthy trees, however, can compromise your property. Tree removal may be necessary if it is decaying, diseased 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 Ilchester can use their equipment and experience to help you safely remove a tree from your property.

It's important to remove diseased trees, trees with high fall risk and trees that are damaging your foundation. However, performing this task yourself increases the potential for injury and property damage.

Tree removal professionals understand 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 Ilchester guarantees that the job will be executed safely and to the highest standards.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Ilchester

Look for tree removal companies in Ilchester 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?

If a tree on your property shows indications of severe damage or decay, or if it's growing too close to your house, you may need to have it removed. The number of decayed trees in Ilchester is high compared to other parts of the country. If you notice any of the following warning signs, consider hiring a tree removal expert.

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

Leaning trees and trees with elevated dirt around their trunk bases are much more likely to fall. 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?

When a tree has irreparable structural defects that put it at elevated risk of falling, it becomes a hazard tree, sometimes called a danger tree. A falling tree could seriously endanger pets, vehicles, property and people. Signs of structural defects include dead branches, large cracks, rotten wood, loose bark and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you think your property has a hazard tree, have it removed as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal contractors may offer a range of other services. In addition to their main focus removing trees, some companies can help with the following additional services:

• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain after a tree removal. A professional might recommend completely removing the stump based on the circumstances. They may also grind the stump down so the tree's remnants decompose more easily. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that the tree won't grow back.
• Wood chipping: A tree removal specialist can use a wood chipper to shred the trunk and branches following the tree's removal. Afterward, you can spread the mulch in your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of leaves, branches and logs to clear. A contractor can use flatbeds or dump trucks to remove debris faster.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can level 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 Ilchester

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

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

Arborists are expert consultants that help you care for your trees. They may recommend restoring the tree's health or removal if a tree has a high fall risk. Arborists can also offer valuable insights on pruning, moving and planting trees to help them grow properly and last for years. To work in Ilchester, an arborist needs a Tree Expert license from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. 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, skills and experience to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, make sure it carries comprehensive insurance, including workers compensation, general liability and business liability. This coverage can financially protect you if an accident happens. All tree care professionals in Maryland must be Licensed Tree Experts (LTEs) through the Department of Natural Resources. To become an LTE, individuals must demonstrate appropriate education and experience and must carry appropriate insurance. Ensure that potential tree removal service providers are licensed before hiring.

Request a tree risk assessment

To determine if removing a tree is the best choice, have a professional tree risk assessment (TRA). During a TRA appointment, an arborist will assess 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 trunk, crown and roots. Some arborists use advanced equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free consultations and estimates. Get estimates from multiple companies to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

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

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.