10 best tree removal companies in New Milford, Connecticut

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 decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture, it may be necessary 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, call on licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience.

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

Tree removal professionals are trained in the proper cutting techniques and utilize specialized equipment to remove trees in compliance with local ordinances and permit requirements. When you work with a reputable tree removal company in New Milford, you can have peace of mind that the job will be completed safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in New Milford

Look for tree removal companies in New Milford 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 exhibits signs of severe damage or decay, or if its roots are encroaching on your home, removal is often the most advisable step. The number of decayed trees in New Milford is average compared to other small towns. get in touch with a tree removal expert if you notice any of the following signs:

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

Leaning trees and trees with elevated dirt around their trunk bases are much more likely to fall. Contact a tree removal professional immediately to evaluate the tree and help remove it if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes referred to as danger trees, have structural defects that cannot be fixed, increasing the probability they will fall. A falling tree could seriously endanger vehicles, people, property 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 suspect your property has a hazard tree, have it removed immediately.

What other tree services might you need?

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

• Debris removal: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover logs, branches and leaves away from your home.
• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will be left. You can grind the stump down so what's left of the tree can decompose. A more expensive option is to completely remove the stump, which guarantees the tree won't grow back.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal specialists can use wood chippers to break down tree trunks and branches. You can use the chips to improve plant growth.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can level holes left over from stump removal or plant a fresh tree where your old one stood.

How to choose the best tree removal service in New Milford

To find the best 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 restoring the tree's health or removal if a tree has a high fall risk. Arborists can also offer valuable insights on pruning, moving and planting trees to help them grow properly and last for years. Arborists in New Milford need a license from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). 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, make sure it carries comprehensive insurance, including business liability, general liability and workers compensation. This coverage can financially protect you if an accident happens. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing requirements. A contractor in New Milford doesn't need a state license if tree removal is the only service they offer. We recommend contacting New Milford building officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor complies with the requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

By getting a tree risk assessment (TRA), you'll receive expert recommendations on whether removing a tree is essential. The assessment also details the risks of keeping 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 visually evaluate the tree from a distance, looking for obvious damage signs. Next, they'll inspect the roots, crown and trunk by walking around the tree. Some arborists use advanced tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends, family and neighbors for suggestions on reputable tree removal companies in your area. It's also wise to browse online reviews on sites like BBB, Google Reviews and Yelp.

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.