10 best tree removal companies in Norwalk, Connecticut

Healthy trees improve your home's curb appeal and give welcome shade to your yard. However, unhealthy trees can pose serious risks to your property. If a tree is diseased, decaying 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. Turn to licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience to safely remove hazard trees from your property.

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

Tree removal specialists have mastered the proper cutting techniques and use specialized equipment to remove trees in accordance with local ordinances. Choosing a reputable tree removal company in Norwalk ensures that the job will be completed safely and to the highest standards.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Norwalk

Look for tree removal companies in Norwalk 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 notice severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are encroaching on your house. The number of decayed trees in Norwalk is average compared to other parts of the country. It's wise to get advice from a professional tree removal contractor if you spot any of these alerts:

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 trunk or branches are cracked and won't heal. The tree or its branches are dangerously close to your home or another structure on your property. The tree has mold, pests or diseases weakening its structure. The tree is dropping an unusual amount of needles, leaves, seeds, branches or sap. The tree is visibly dead or severely burned.

Leaning trees or trees with elevated soil around the tree trunk base are at a high risk of falling. If you see either of these signs, contact a qualified tree removal expert right away to evaluate the damage and safely remove the tree before it can cause further damage.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, have structural defects beyond repair, making them more likely to fall. A falling tree could seriously endanger pets, vehicles, property and people. Signs of a structural defect include dead branches, rotten wood, large cracks, loose bark and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree in your yard, have it removed immediately.

What other tree services might you need?

Beyond removing trees, some tree removal companies offer a variety of supplementary services, including these:

• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain following 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 regrow.
• Debris removal: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover branches, logs and leaves away from your home.
• Wood chipping: A tree removal expert can use a wood chipper to chip the trunk and branches after the tree has been removed. Afterward, you can add the chips and mulch to your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal providers provide landscaping services. This could include filling the hole where the tree stump was or planting a new tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Norwalk

Find the right tree removal company for your project by considering 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. Arborists in Norwalk 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 experience, knowledge and skills 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, including workers compensation, general liability and business liability. This coverage protects you, your property and the company's employees if an accident occurs during the job. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing regulations. A contractor in Norwalk doesn't need a state license if tree removal is their only service. We recommend contacting the Norwalk building department and your county to ensure a prospective contractor complies with the requirements.

Request a tree risk assessment

To determine if removing a tree is necessary, get a professional tree risk assessment (TRA). During the TRA, an arborist will determine 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 trunk, roots and crown by circling around the tree. Some arborists use special tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

Most tree removal companies provide complimentary consultations and price quotes. Get quotes from several providers and compare rates to find the best value.

Read reviews from homeowners

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