10 best tree removal companies in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Healthy trees can increase your home's curb appeal and bring shade to your yard, but unhealthy trees pose risks to your property. You may need to remove a tree if it's diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture. Tree removal is also crucial for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Licensed professionals have the equipment and experience to safely remove a tree from your property.

You should remove trees that are diseased, have a high fall risk, or which are compromising your foundation. However, attempting to do it yourself could result in injury or property damage.

When you hire a reputable tree removal company in Milwaukee, you'll have a skilled team to safely remove your tree with specialized cutting techniques and equipment in accordance with local regulations.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Milwaukee

Look for tree removal companies in Milwaukee 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?

If a tree on your property has evidence of severe damage or decay, or if it's growing too close to your house, you may need to have it removed. The number of decayed trees in Milwaukee is high compared to other parts of the country. If you observe any of the following warning signs, contact a tree removal expert.

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

Trees that are leaning or have elevated soil surrounding the tree trunk base are at a high risk of falling. Contact a tree removal contractor immediately to evaluate the tree and help 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. A falling tree poses a major risk to pets, people, property and vehicles. Rotten wood, large cracks, loose bark, dead branches 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 right away.

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: Only the stump will remain after a tree removal. A professional might recommend completely removing the stump 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.
• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as logs, branches and leaves. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal contractors can use wood chippers to break down tree trunks and branches. You can use the chips as mulch for your flower beds.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can help you fill 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 Milwaukee

To select the right tree removal company for your needs, keep these factors in mind.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

An arborist is a scientific expert who can examine your tree's needs and advise you on the correct care. This can include restoring its health or removing it if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for transplanting, pruning and planting trees. Wisconsin does not require arborists to get a license, 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 experience, skills and knowledge to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Tree removal providers should have extensive insurance coverage, including business liability, general liability and workers compensation. These policies help protect you, your property and the company’s workers in the event of an accident. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing regulations. No state license is required for contractors in Wisconsin that only remove trees. We recommend contacting the Milwaukee building department and your county to ensure a prospective contractor complies with the requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

A tree risk assessment (TRA) can help you determine if removing a potentially dangerous tree is the best decision. After you request a TRA, an arborist will evaluate your tree's potential to fall and what damage could result from a fall. The arborist will first visually assess the tree from a distance to identify obvious signs of damage. They will then circle around the tree to inspect its crown, roots and trunk. Some arborists use specialized equipment to study the tree's insides.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free estimates and consultations. We recommend getting more than one estimate to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask people you trust to recommend reputable tree removal companies. Even with a trusted referral, 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.