10 best tree removal companies in Lexington, Massachusetts

Healthy trees elevate your home's curb appeal and give welcome shade to your yard. However, unhealthy trees can present significant dangers to your property. If a tree is diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture, you might need 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 with the right equipment and experience to safely remove hazard trees from your property.

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

Tree removal specialists are trained in the proper cutting techniques and use specialized tools to remove trees according to local ordinances and permit requirements. By partnering with a reputable tree removal company in Lexington, 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 Lexington

Look for tree removal companies in Lexington 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 encroaching on your house. The number of decayed trees in Lexington is comparatively high compared to other small towns. If you see any of the following signs, consider hiring a tree removal expert.

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

Leaning trees and trees with raised dirt surrounding their trunk bases are at higher risk of falling. If you see either of these signs, contact a qualified tree removal expert right away to evaluate the damage and safely 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. Falling trees can cause considerable property damage and gravely hurt people and pets. Signs of a structural defect include rotten wood, dead branches, loose bark, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you suspect your property has a hazard tree, have it removed immediately.

What other tree services might you need?

Beyond cutting down trees, some tree removal companies offer a variety of additional services, including the following:

• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree limb by limb, they might use a wood chipper to further break the brush down. Consider giving the tree a second life by using the chips as mulch for your garden.
• Debris removal: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover logs, leaves and branches away from your home.
• 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 so the tree's remnants decompose more quickly. 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 level 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 Lexington

Consider these factors to choose the best 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 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 health restoration or removal if the tree poses a falling hazard. Arborists are also a valuable resource for advice on moving, pruning and planting trees. Massachusetts does not require arborists to be licensed, 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 obtain the certification. ISA-certified arborists have the skills, knowledge and experience 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, including business liability, general liability and workers compensation. This coverage can financially protect you if an accident happens. City and county governments often set their own tree removal licensing laws. A contractor in Lexington doesn't need a state license if tree removal is the only service they offer. We recommend checking with the Lexington government and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

A tree risk assessment (TRA) can help you confirm if removing a potentially dangerous tree is necessary. 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 walk around the tree up close, inspecting its trunk, crown and roots. Some arborists use specialized equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal contractors offer free estimates and consultations. Obtain quotes from at least two companies to assess their prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends and family to recommend reputable tree removal companies. Even with a referral from someone, it's still important to research a company's reputation by reading reviews on sites like Google Reviews, Yelp and BBB.

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.