10 best tree removal companies in Newton, Massachusetts

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 essential for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Licensed professionals have the proper equipment and experience to remove a tree from your property safely.

It's crucial to remove diseased trees, trees with high fall risk and trees that are damaging your foundation. However, undertaking this task yourself increases the potential for personal injury and damage to your home.

Tree removal professionals are trained in the proper cutting techniques and use specialized equipment to remove trees according to local ordinances. When you work with a reputable tree removal company in Newton, you can be assured that the job will be completed safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Newton

Look for tree removal companies in Newton 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?

You should trim or remove a tree if it’s displaying evidence of severe damage or decay, or if it’s encroaching on your home. The number of decayed trees in Newton is somewhat high compared to other parts of the country. Consider getting an estimate from a tree removal specialist if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

Trees that are leaning or have raised dirt around the tree trunk base are at a high risk of falling. Contact a tree removal service immediately to assess the tree and help remove it if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, have structural defects beyond repair, making them more likely to fall. Falling trees can pose a significant threat to people, pets, property and vehicles. A few signs that a tree has structural defects include rotten wood, large cracks, loose bark, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, have it removed as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal companies offer a range of supplementary services apart from cutting down trees. These may include the following:

• 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 down so the tree's remnants decompose more easily. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that the tree won't grow back.
• Debris removal: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover leaves, logs and branches away from your home.
• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree section by section, they might use a wood chipper to shred the tree parts. Consider giving the tree a second life by using the chips as mulch for your garden.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals double as landscapers. By choosing one of these companies, you could plant a new tree or level the area where the stump was located.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Newton

Find the right tree removal company for your project using these considerations.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A licensed arborist can assess your tree's health and offer appropriate solutions, such as restoring its health or safely removing it to mitigate fall risk. Arborists also provide guidance on pruning, moving and planting trees. Massachusetts 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 at least three years of experience and pass an exam to get certified. ISA-certified arborists have the skills, knowledge and experience to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Tree removal providers should carry 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 requirements. A contractor in Newton doesn't need a state license if tree removal is all they offer. We recommend checking with Newton 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 right choice, have a professional tree risk assessment (TRA). During the TRA, an arborist will assess 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 crown, roots and trunk by circling around the tree. Some arborists use specific tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends and family for suggestions on nearby 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 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.