10 best tree removal companies in New York City, New York

While healthy trees elevate your home's curb appeal and give your yard refreshing shade, unhealthy trees create safety concerns 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, turn to licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience.

It's crucial 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 personal injury or property damage.

Tree removal experts know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized machinery to remove trees according to local regulations. By working with a reputable tree removal company in New York City, you can have more confidence that the job will get done safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in New York City

Look for tree removal companies in New York City 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 see severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are growing too close to your house. The number of decayed trees in New York City is low compared to other parts of the country. It's wise to speak with a professional tree removal contractor if you notice any of these alerts:

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

If you notice raised dirt close to the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is visibly starting to lean, it's in danger of falling. If you see either of these signs, contact a professional tree removal team right away to evaluate the damage and remove the tree before it can cause further damage.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes referred to as danger trees, have structural defects which are beyond repair, increasing the chance they will fall. A falling tree could seriously endanger vehicles, property, people and pets. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include large cracks, rotten wood, loose bark, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it taken down 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:

• Debris removal: Debris like branches, logs and leaves is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal professionals can use wood chippers to break down tree trunks and branches. You can keep the chips and spread them in your gardens as mulch.
• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain once a tree removal job is complete. 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 regrow.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals provide landscaping services. When working with one of these companies, you could install a replacement tree or level the area where the stump was located.

How to choose the best tree removal service in New York City

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

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A tree removal company's staff arborist is the go-to 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, pruning and planting trees. New York 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 at least three years of experience and pass an exam to earn certification. ISA-certified arborists have the experience, skills and knowledge to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, make sure it has comprehensive insurance coverage, including general liability, workers compensation and business 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 New York City doesn't need a state license if tree removal is the only service they offer. We recommend contacting the New York City government and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you evaluate whether tree removal is the right step and can underscore the benefits of taking down a potentially hazardous tree. To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by looking for clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll circle around the tree, closely inspecting the crown, trunk and roots. Sometimes, arborists use advanced gear to evaluate the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends and family to recommend reputable tree removal companies. Even with a referral from someone, it's still important to research a company's reputation by reading reviews on sites like Yelp, BBB and Google Reviews.

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.