10 best tree removal companies in Manhattan, New York

Healthy trees elevate your home's curb appeal and offer a shady retreat in your yard. Unhealthy trees, however, can compromise your property. Removing a tree may be necessary if it is decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture. Tree removal is also important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Licensed tree removal professionals in Manhattan can use their equipment and experience to help you safely remove a tree from your property.

It's important to get rid of 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.

Tree removal specialists are knowledgeable about the proper cutting techniques and utilize specialized tools to remove trees in accordance with local regulations. Choosing a reputable tree removal company in Manhattan gives you confidence that the job will be completed safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Manhattan

Look for tree removal companies in Manhattan 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 are encroaching on your home, removal is often the optimal decision. The number of decayed trees in Manhattan is below average compared to other parts of the country. Consider getting an estimate from a tree removal expert if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

Leaning trees and trees with elevated dirt around their trunk bases are much more likely to fall. Contact a tree removal contractor as soon as possible to review the extent of the damage and safely remove the tree if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have structural defects which are beyond repair, increasing the likelihood of them falling. Falling trees can pose a considerable threat to pets, people, vehicles and property. Rotten wood, large cracks, dead branches, loose bark and hollow cavities near the tree base are all indicators of structural defects. If you think your property has a hazard tree, schedule a tree removal service immediately.

What other tree services might you need?

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

• Stump removal: After cutting down a tree, only the stump remains. Based on your budget and needs, a service professional can completely remove the stump or grind it down so what's left of it will decompose. Removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees the tree won't grow back.
• Debris removal: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover branches, leaves and logs away from your home.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal crews often use wood chippers to chip tree trunks and branches. If you choose, you can use the chips as mulch to promote plant growth in your garden.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can assist in covering holes left over from stump removal or plant a healthy tree where your old one stood.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Manhattan

Follow these steps 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 right expert to get your tree care questions answered. They'll tap into their extensive scientific training to examine your tree's health 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. New York 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 skills, experience and knowledge 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 coverage, including business liability, general liability and workers compensation. This coverage safeguards you, your property and the company's employees if an accident occurs during the job. City and county governments often set their own tree removal licensing requirements. A contractor in Manhattan doesn't need a state license if tree removal is their only service. We recommend checking with Manhattan building officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

A tree risk assessment (TRA) can help you determine if removing a potentially dangerous tree is the best decision. During a TRA appointment, an arborist will determine the chance the tree could fall and what damage could result. They'll begin by looking at the tree from afar for clear damage indicators. Next, they'll walk around the tree up close, inspecting its crown, trunk and roots. Some arborists use advanced equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal contractors provide free consultations and service estimates. Obtain quotes from several companies to assess their prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask those closest to you for tree removal contractor recommendations. While referrals from trusted sources can be valuable, it's still wise to read online reviews on BBB, Yelp and Google Reviews 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.