10 best tree removal companies in Plainview, New York

While healthy trees elevate your home's curb appeal and give your yard welcome 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, hire licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience.

You should prioritize removing trees that are diseased, have a high fall risk, or which are compromising your foundation. However, trying to do it yourself could lead to injury or property damage.

Tree removal specialists are well-versed in the proper cutting techniques and utilize specialized machinery to remove trees following local regulations. By partnering with a reputable tree removal company in Plainview, 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 Plainview

Look for tree removal companies in Plainview 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?

If a tree on your property has evidence of severe damage or decay, or if it's growing too close to your house, you may need to have it removed. The number of decayed trees in Plainview is marginally low compared to other parts of the country. If you observe any of the following signs, consider hiring a tree removal professional.

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

If you notice raised dirt near the tree trunk's base, or if the tree is visibly beginning to lean, it's in danger of falling. Contact a tree removal expert as soon as possible to review the extent of the damage and safely remove the tree if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have irreparable structural defects that increase their risk of falling. A falling tree could seriously endanger people, vehicles, property and pets. A few signs that a tree has structural defects 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, remove it right away.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal professionals may offer a range of other services. Along with their main focus removing trees, some companies can help with these other jobs:

• Debris removal: After tree removal, there will be a lot of logs, leaves and branches to get off your property. A contractor can use flatbeds or dump trucks to remove debris faster.
• Stump removal: After removing a tree, only the stump is left. Based on your budget and needs, a service professional can remove the stump altogether or grind it down so what's left of it will decompose. Removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees the tree won't regrow.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal crews often use wood chippers to shred tree trunks and branches. If you choose, you can use the chips as mulch to promote plant growth in your garden.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal services provide landscaping services. These services might include filling the hole where the tree stump was or planting a new tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Plainview

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 professional who can examine your tree's needs and advise you on the proper care. This can include rejuvenating its health or removing it if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for transplanting, pruning and planting trees. New York does not require arborists to hold a license, 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, knowledge and skills to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Tree removal providers should carry extensive insurance coverage, including business liability, workers compensation and general liability. These policies help protect you, your property and the company’s workers in the event of an accident. City and county governments often set their own tree removal licensing requirements. A contractor in Plainview doesn't need a state license if tree removal is the only service they offer. We recommend checking with the Plainview 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 get a professional opinion on whether removing a tree is essential. The assessment also details the risks of keeping a potentially hazardous tree. During the TRA, an arborist will determine a tree's likelihood of falling and the damage that could result. First, they'll inspect the tree from a distance, looking for obvious damage signs. Next, they'll inspect the roots, trunk and crown by circling around the tree. Some arborists use advanced tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free consultations and estimates. We recommend getting more than one estimate to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask for tree removal company referrals from trusted neighbors, friends and family. Even when you get a referral, take the time to read online reviews on Google Reviews, Yelp and BBB to get a well-rounded perspective before you hire.

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.