10 best tree removal companies in Lakewood, Washington

Healthy trees improve your home's curb appeal and bring welcome shade to your yard. However, unhealthy trees can present significant dangers 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.

Removing diseased trees and other trees with high fall risk is important for your property's health. However, trying to tackle the project yourself could lead to serious injury and costly property damage.

Tree removal specialists have expertise in the proper cutting techniques and utilize specialized tools to remove trees following local ordinances and permit requirements. By choosing a reputable tree removal company in Lakewood, you can have peace of mind that the job will be completed safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Lakewood

Look for tree removal companies in Lakewood 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?

Consider removing a tree if you see severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are growing too close to your house. The number of decayed trees in Lakewood is remarkably low 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 is dropping far more seeds, leaves, sap, needles or branches than usual. The tree's trunk or branches are cracked and won't heal. The tree's roots are making your home's foundation crack or lift. The tree or its branches are dangerously 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 diseases, pests or mold weakening its structure.

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

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. Falling trees can cause extensive property damage and gravely hurt people and pets. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include dead branches, loose bark, large cracks, rotten wood and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree in your yard, have it removed immediately.

What other tree services might you need?

In addition to removing trees, some tree removal companies offer a variety of extra services, such as these:

• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain after a tree removal. 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 quickly. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that the tree won't regrow.
• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree section by section, they might use a wood chipper to shred the tree parts. Consider giving the tree a second life by using the chips as mulch for your garden.
• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as leaves, logs and branches. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal companies also offer landscaping services. These services might include leveling and repurposing the area where the tree stump was or planting a new tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Lakewood

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

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A tree removal company's staff arborist is the go-to expert to get your tree care questions answered. They'll tap into their extensive scientific training to examine your tree's specific needs and provide the necessary treatments, including 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 at least three years of experience and pass an exam to get certified. ISA-certified arborists have the experience, skills and knowledge to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company carrying insurance for general liability, business liability and workers compensation. A contractor's insurance policy is a safety net for you, your property and the company's team members in case something goes wrong while they work. 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

A tree risk assessment (TRA) can help you confirm if removing a potentially dangerous tree is the right step to take. 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 trunk, roots and crown by walking around the tree. Some arborists use specific tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask for tree removal company referrals from trusted family, neighbors and friends. Even when you get a referral, take the time to read online reviews on Google Reviews, Yelp and BBB 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.