10 best tree removal companies in Lochearn, Maryland

Healthy trees enhance 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 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 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 risky if done improperly. Trying to do the job on your own could lead to property damage or personal injury.

When you hire a reputable tree removal company in Lochearn, you'll have a skilled team to safely remove trees with specialized cutting techniques and equipment in accordance with the town's regulations.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Lochearn

Look for tree removal companies in Lochearn 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 observe severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are encroaching on your house. The number of decayed trees in Lochearn 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 is visibly dead or severely burned. The tree is dropping an unusual amount of seeds, needles, sap, leaves or branches. The tree has mold, diseases or pests weakening its structure. The tree's branches or trunk are cracked and won't heal. The tree or its branches are too close to your home or another structure on your property. The tree has damage from heavy rain or thunderstorms. The tree's roots are making your home's foundation crack or lift.

If you notice raised dirt near the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is visibly beginning to lean, it's in danger of falling. Contact a tree removal professional as soon as possible to assess 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. Falling trees can cause extensive property damage and severely harm people and pets. Rotten wood, large cracks, dead branches, loose bark 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 as soon as you can.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal contractors offer an assortment of extra services apart from cutting down trees. These may include the following:

• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of branches, logs and leaves to clear. A contractor can use flatbeds or dump trucks to remove debris faster.
• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will remain. You can grind the stump down so what's left of the tree can decompose. A more expensive option is to remove the stump altogether, which guarantees the tree won't grow back.
• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree limb by limb, 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.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that offers landscaping services, the team could help level holes or plant a new, healthy tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Lochearn

Find the right tree removal company for your job using these considerations.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A licensed arborist can assess your tree's condition and offer suitable solutions, such as restoring its health or safely removing it to mitigate fall risk. Arborists also provide guidance on moving, pruning and planting trees. To work in Lochearn, an arborist needs a Tree Expert license from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. They can also pursue a private certification from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Certification requires three years of experience and passage of an exam. Licensed and 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 carries comprehensive insurance, including general liability, workers compensation and business liability. This coverage safeguards you, your property and the company's employees if an accident occurs during the job. All tree care professionals in Maryland must be Licensed Tree Experts (LTEs) through the Department of Natural Resources. To become an LTE, individuals must demonstrate appropriate education and experience and must carry appropriate insurance. Ensure that potential tree removal service providers are 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 can underscore the benefits of taking down a potentially hazardous tree. During the TRA, an arborist will evaluate a tree's likelihood of falling and the damage that could result. First, they'll inspect the tree from a distance, looking for obvious damage signs. Next, they'll inspect the trunk, crown and roots by circling around the tree. Some arborists use special tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends and family for tree removal company referrals. While suggestions from loved ones are insightful, take time to read online reviews on Google Reviews, BBB and Yelp before making your choice.

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.