10 best tree removal companies in Kent, Washington

Healthy trees enhance 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, 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 experts understand the proper cutting techniques and use specialized machinery to remove trees in accordance with local ordinances. Working with a reputable tree removal company in Kent ensures that the job will be completed safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Kent

Look for tree removal companies in Kent 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 Kent is comparatively high compared to other American cities. Consider getting an estimate from a tree removal professional if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

Leaning trees and trees with raised dirt around their trunk bases are at higher risk of falling. Contact a tree removal professional as soon as possible to evaluate the extent of the damage and take down the tree if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have irreparable structural defects that make them prone to falling. A falling tree poses a major risk to people, pets, vehicles and property. Signs of structural defects include large cracks, rotten wood, dead branches, loose bark and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it removed without delay.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal professionals may offer a range of other services. Along with their main focus removing trees, some companies can help with these other jobs:

• Wood chipping: Tree removal professionals can use wood chippers to shred tree trunks and branches. You can keep the chips and spread them in your gardens as mulch.
• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will remain. 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 regrow.
• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as logs, branches and leaves. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can help you fill 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 Kent

Use these factors to choose the right tree removal company for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A tree removal company's staff arborist is the right expert to get your tree care questions answered. They'll tap into their extensive scientific training to evaluate your tree's health and provide the necessary treatments, including health restoration or removal if the tree poses a falling hazard. Arborists are also a valuable resource for advice on moving, planting and pruning trees. Washington 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 obtain the certification. ISA-certified arborists have the knowledge, experience and skills to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Tree removal companies should carry an extensive insurance policy, including business liability, general 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

By getting a tree risk assessment (TRA), you'll receive expert recommendations on whether removing a tree is essential. The assessment also presents the risks of keeping a potentially hazardous tree. After you request a TRA, an arborist will assess your tree's potential to fall and what damage could result from a fall. The arborist will first look at the tree from a distance to identify obvious signs of damage. They will then circle around the tree to inspect its trunk, crown and roots. Some arborists use particular equipment to study the tree's insides.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer a free consultation and services estimate. Get estimates from at least two companies to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

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

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.