10 best tree removal companies in Issaquah, Washington

Healthy trees boost your home's curb appeal and give welcome shade to your yard. However, unhealthy trees can pose serious risks to 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. Entrust the job to licensed professionals who have the right equipment and experience to safely remove hazard trees from your property.

It's important to remove diseased trees with higher fall risk, as well as trees impacting your home's foundation and structural integrity. The task, however, is extremely dangerous if done improperly. Trying to do the job by yourself could result in property damage or personal injury.

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

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Issaquah

Look for tree removal companies in Issaquah 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 Issaquah is marginally high compared to other American cities. It's wise to contact a professional tree removal contractor if you spot any of these alerts:

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

Trees that are leaning or have elevated soil encircling the tree trunk base are at a high risk of falling. Contact a tree removal service immediately to assess the tree and safely remove it if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have irreparable structural defects that make them more likely to fall. Falling trees can cause extensive property damage and seriously injure people and pets. Rotten wood, loose bark, dead branches, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base are all indicators of structural defects. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it removed right away.

What other tree services might you need?

Beyond cutting down trees, some tree removal companies offer a range of additional services, including these:

• Wood chipping: Tree removal specialists can use wood chippers to shred tree trunks and branches. You can use the chips to improve plant growth.
• Debris removal: Debris like logs, branches and leaves is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain once a tree removal job is complete. 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 easily. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that the tree won't grow back.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can assist in covering holes left over from stump removal or plant a new tree where your old one stood.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Issaquah

Use these factors to find the best tree removal company 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 offer guidance on pruning, planting and moving trees. Washington 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 three years of field experience and pass an exam to get certified. ISA-certified arborists have the skills, knowledge and experience to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Tree removal companies should carry extensive insurance coverage, including general liability, business liability and workers compensation. These policies help protect you, your property and the company’s workers in the event of an accident. In Washington, tree removal professionals must have a license from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. To obtain this license, a contractor must be bonded and insured. Always verify that potential tree removal service providers are properly licensed before hiring.

Request a tree risk assessment

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you evaluate whether tree removal is a good decision and highlights the benefits of taking down a potentially hazardous tree. During a TRA appointment, an arborist will determine the chance the tree could fall and what damage could result. They'll begin by looking at 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 advanced equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Most tree removal companies provide complimentary estimates and consultations. Collect estimates from at least two providers and compare rates to find the best value.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask family, friends and neighbors for suggestions on reputable tree removal services near you. It's also wise to read online reviews on sites like Google Reviews, BBB 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.