10 best tree removal companies in Norwich, Connecticut

Healthy trees elevate your home's curb appeal and give welcome shade to your yard. However, unhealthy trees can present significant dangers to 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. Entrust the job to licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience to safely remove hazard trees from your property.

Removing diseased trees and other trees with high fall risk is important for your property's health. However, trying to tackle the project yourself could lead to serious injury and costly property damage.

Tree removal experts are trained in the proper cutting techniques and employ specialized equipment to remove trees according to local ordinances. When you work with a reputable tree removal company in Norwich, you can trust that the job will be completed safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Norwich

Look for tree removal companies in Norwich 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 growing too close to your home. The number of decayed trees in Norwich is somewhat low compared to other parts of the country. Consider seeking advice from a tree removal expert if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

If you observe raised dirt around the base of the trunk, or if the tree is beginning to lean, it's at risk of falling. Contact a reliable contractor as soon as you can if you notice either of these signs, and have the tree professionally evaluated.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have structural defects that cannot be fixed, increasing the likelihood of them falling. A falling tree poses a substantial risk to people, vehicles, pets and property. Signs of structural defects include rotten wood, large cracks, dead branches, loose bark and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree in your yard, get it taken down right away.

What other tree services might you need?

Some tree removal companies provide a variety of additional services in addition to cutting down trees. These may include the following:

• 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.
• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will remain. You can grind the stump down so it will more easily decompose. A more expensive option is to remove the stump altogether, which guarantees the tree won't regrow.
• Debris removal: Debris like leaves, branches and logs is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can level 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 Norwich

Find the right tree removal company for your project by considering these factors.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

An arborist is a scientific specialist who can analyze your tree's needs and advise you on the correct care. This can include rejuvenating its health or taking it down if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for planting, pruning and transplanting trees. Arborists in Norwich 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

Choose a tree removal company insured for workers compensation, business liability and general liability. A contractor's insurance policy acts as a safety net for you, your property and the company's team members in case something goes wrong while they work. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing regulations. A contractor in Norwich doesn't need a state license if tree removal is their only service. We recommend checking with Norwich building officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

By getting a tree risk assessment (TRA), you'll receive professional advice on whether removing a tree is essential. The assessment also presents the risks of keeping a potentially hazardous tree. To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by identifying clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll circle around the tree, closely inspecting the trunk, crown and roots. Sometimes, arborists use advanced gear to evaluate the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free estimates and consultations. Get estimates from at least two companies to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends, neighbors and family for recommendations for tree removal services near you. It's also wise to read online reviews on sites like Yelp, Google Reviews 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.