10 best tree removal companies in Mequon, Wisconsin

While healthy trees improve your home's curb appeal and give your yard welcome shade, unhealthy trees pose significant risks for your property. If a tree is diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture, you may need to remove it. Tree removal is also important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. To ensure your hazardous tree gets removed safely, hire licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience.

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 hazardous if done improperly. Attempting to do the job alone could result in property damage or personal injury.

Tree removal professionals are well-versed in the proper cutting techniques and utilize specialized tools to remove trees following local ordinances. By choosing a reputable tree removal company in Mequon, you can trust that the job will be completed safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Mequon

Look for tree removal companies in Mequon 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 have gotten too close to your home, removal is often the most advisable step. The number of decayed trees in Mequon is average compared to other parts of the country. Contact a tree removal expert if you see any of the following signs:

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

Leaning trees and trees with raised dirt surrounding their trunk bases are at higher risk of falling. Contact a tree removal service immediately to evaluate the tree and safely remove it if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, contain irreparable structural defects making them more prone to fall. Falling trees can pose a considerable threat to vehicles, property, people and pets. Signs of a structural defect include loose bark, dead branches, rotten wood, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you believe your property has a hazard tree, have it removed as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal companies offer a variety of services. In addition to removing trees, many companies offer 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: Debris like leaves, branches and logs is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree section by section, 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.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal services 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 Mequon

To choose the right tree removal company for your needs, think about these factors.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

Arborists are expert consultants that help you care for your trees. They may recommend health restoration services for your tree or removal if a tree has a high fall risk. Arborists can also offer valuable insights on moving, planting and pruning trees to help them grow properly and last for years. Wisconsin 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 three years of field experience and pass an exam to earn certification. ISA-certified arborists have the knowledge, skills 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 coverage, including business liability, workers compensation and general liability. This coverage can financially protect you if an accident happens. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing laws. A contractor in Mequon doesn't need a state license if tree removal is the only service they offer. We recommend checking with Mequon building officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

To determine if removing a tree is the best choice, have a professional tree risk assessment (TRA). After you request a TRA, an arborist will evaluate your tree's fall risk and what damage could result from a fall. The arborist will first examine the tree from a distance to look for obvious signs of damage. They will then walk around the tree to inspect its roots, trunk and crown. Some arborists use specific equipment to study the tree's insides.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free estimates and consultations. We recommend getting at least two estimates to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

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