10 best tree removal companies in Portland, Oregon

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

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

Tree removal experts have mastered the proper cutting techniques and use specialized machinery to remove trees in accordance with local ordinances. Choosing a reputable tree removal company in Portland gives you confidence that the job will be executed safely and to the highest standards.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Portland

Look for tree removal companies in Portland 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 growing too close to your house. The number of decayed trees in Portland is somewhat high compared to other major metro areas. get in touch with a tree removal professional if you notice any of the following signs:

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

If you notice raised dirt around the base of the trunk, or if the tree is beginning to lean, it's in danger of falling. Contact a tree removal professional immediately to evaluate the tree and safely remove it if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes called danger trees, have irreparable structural defects that make them more likely to fall. A falling tree poses a significant risk to vehicles, property, people and pets. Signs of a structural defect include dead branches, loose bark, large cracks, rotten wood and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it removed as soon as you can.

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 contractors can help with the following additional services:

• Debris removal: Debris like branches, logs and leaves is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal contractors can use wood chippers to shred tree trunks and branches. You can use the chips as mulch for your flower beds.
• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain after a tree removal. 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 regrow.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal services also offer 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 Portland

Follow these steps to make the most informed 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 analyze your tree's requirements and advise you on the proper care. This can include revitalizing its health or removing it if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for transplanting, pruning and planting trees. Oregon doesn't have arborist licensing rules, 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 earn certification. ISA-certified arborists have the skills, knowledge and experience to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Tree removal contractors should have extensive insurance coverage, including workers compensation, business liability and general liability. These policies help protect you, your property and the company’s workers in the event of an accident. In Oregon, tree removal service providers must be licensed either by the Construction Contractors Board (CCB) or the Landscape Contractors Board (LCB). If you also want your provider to plant trees, they must have an LCB license. Be sure to discuss licensing with potential tree removal service providers before hiring.

Request a tree risk assessment

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you evaluate whether tree removal is the best course of action and can underscore the benefits of taking down a potentially hazardous tree. After you call for a TRA, an arborist will assess your tree's fall risk and what damage could come from a fall. The arborist will first visually assess the tree from a distance to look for obvious signs of damage. They will then walk around the tree to inspect its trunk, roots and crown. Some arborists use specialized equipment to study the tree's insides.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal contractors offer free estimates and consultations. Obtain quotes from several providers to assess their prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

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

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.