10 best tree removal companies in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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 decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture. Tree removal is also important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Licensed professionals have the proper equipment and experience to safely remove a tree from your property.

It's important to remove 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. Trying to do the job by yourself could lead to personal injury or property damage.

Tree removal professionals are trained in the proper cutting techniques and employ specialized tools to remove trees following local ordinances and permit requirements. When you work with a reputable tree removal company in Philadelphia, you can be assured that the job will be completed safely and to a high standard.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Philadelphia

Look for tree removal companies in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia is average compared to other major metro areas. It's wise to speak with a professional tree removal contractor if you notice any of these indicators:

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

If you spot raised dirt around the base of the trunk, or if the tree is beginning to lean, it's in danger of falling. If you notice either of these signs, contact a professional tree removal team right away to assess the damage and safely 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 that cannot be fixed, increasing the likelihood they will fall. A falling tree poses a major risk to pets, people, property and vehicles. Signs of 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?

Tree removal experts may offer a range of other services. In addition to their main focus removing trees, some companies can help with the following additional services:

• Stump removal: After the team finishes removing your tree, only the stump will be left. You can choose to grind down the stump so it will more easily decompose. A contractor can also remove the stump altogether in some cases. While this is more expensive than grinding, it guarantees the tree won't grow back.
• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree branch by branch, they might use a wood chipper to further break the brush down. Consider giving the tree a second life by using the chips as mulch for your garden.
• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as logs, leaves and branches. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals double as landscapers. By choosing one of these companies, you could add a fresh tree or cover the space where the stump was located.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Philadelphia

Follow these steps to make the right tree removal company decision for your needs.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

An arborist is a scientific professional who can study your tree's requirements and advise you on the proper care. This can include restoring its health or removing it if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for planting, transplanting and pruning trees. Pennsylvania doesn't have arborist licensing rules, so we recommend looking for an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Arborists must have three years of field experience and pass an exam to earn certification. ISA-certified arborists have the experience, skills and knowledge to remove your tree.

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 is 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 Philadelphia doesn't need a state license if tree removal is the only service they offer. We recommend contacting the Philadelphia government 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 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 walk around the tree, closely inspecting the roots, trunk and crown. Sometimes, arborists use specialized gear to study the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free consultations and estimates. Get estimates from more than one company to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask family, friends and neighbors for suggestions on reputable tree removal companies in your area. It's also wise to check 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.