10 best tree removal companies in Kenosha, Wisconsin

While healthy trees improve your home's curb appeal and give your yard welcome shade, unhealthy trees present potential hazards to your property. If a tree is decaying, diseased 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, hire licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience.

You should remove trees that are diseased, have a high fall risk, or which are compromising your foundation. However, attempting to do it yourself could lead to injury or property damage.

When you hire a reputable tree removal company in Kenosha, you'll have a skilled team to safely remove trees with specialized cutting techniques and equipment in accordance with local requirements.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Kenosha

Look for tree removal companies in Kenosha 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 have gotten too close to your home, removal is often the optimal decision. The number of decayed trees in Kenosha is average compared to other parts of the country. Consider getting an estimate from a tree removal specialist if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

If you observe raised dirt around the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is starting to lean, it's at risk of falling. If you see either of these signs, contact a qualified tree removal expert right away to evaluate the damage and remove the tree before it can cause further damage.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, have structural defects beyond repair, making them more likely to fall. A falling tree poses a substantial risk to pets, property, vehicles and people. Signs of a structural defect include dead branches, large cracks, loose bark, rotten wood and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, have it removed as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal companies provide a range of extra services apart from cutting down trees. These may include the following:

• Wood chipping: Tree removal teams often use wood chippers to chip tree trunks and branches. If you choose, you can use the chips as mulch to improve your other plants' growth.
• 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: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as branches, logs and leaves. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that provides landscaping services, the team could help level holes or install a fresh tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Kenosha

Use these factors to choose the right tree removal company 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 health restoration services for your tree or removal if a tree has a high fall risk. Arborists can also offer valuable insights on planting, pruning and moving trees for optimal growth and well-being. Wisconsin doesn't have arborist licensing rules, 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 knowledge, experience and skills to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, ensure it has comprehensive insurance coverage, including business liability, workers compensation and general liability. This coverage protects you, your property and the company's employees if an accident occurs during the job. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing regulations. A contractor in Kenosha doesn't need a state license if tree removal is the only service they offer. We recommend contacting Kenosha building officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor meets all requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

A tree risk assessment (TRA) can help you determine if removing a potentially dangerous tree is necessary. During the TRA, an arborist will determine 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 roots, trunk and crown by circumnavigating the tree. Some arborists use special tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask neighbors, family and friends for suggestions on reputable tree removal services near you. It's also wise to browse 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.