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Michelle NatiHome improvement writer
Michelle Nati is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She has written about home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 10 tree removal companies that operate within 50 miles of Richmond. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
Healthy trees enhance your home's curb appeal and bring welcome shade to your yard. However, unhealthy trees can pose serious risks 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. Turn to licensed professionals who have the right equipment and experience to safely remove hazard trees from your property.
It's crucial to get rid of diseased trees with higher fall risk, as well as trees impacting your home's foundation and structural integrity. The task, however, is very dangerous if done improperly. Trying to do the job by yourself could lead to personal injury or property damage.
Tree removal specialists are trained in the proper cutting techniques and use specialized machinery to remove trees following local ordinances. When you work with a reputable tree removal company in Richmond, you can be assured that the job will be completed safely and to a high standard.
Look for tree removal companies in Richmond 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.
You should trim or remove a tree if it’s showing signs of severe damage or decay, or if it’s encroaching on your home. The number of decayed trees in Richmond is remarkably high compared to other parts of the country. If you see any of the following warning signs, contact a tree removal specialist.
The tree is dropping an unusual amount of leaves, seeds, branches, needles or sap. The tree is severely burned or visibly dead. The tree's roots are causing your home's foundation to crack or lift. The tree's trunk or branches are cracked and won't heal. The tree has mold, pests or diseases weakening its structure. The tree has damage from heavy rain or thunderstorms. The tree or its branches are dangerously close to your home, garage or shed.
Trees that are leaning or have raised dirt encircling the tree trunk base are at a high risk of falling. Contact a tree removal professional immediately to assess the tree and help remove it if necessary.
Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, contain structural defects beyond repair, making them more likely to fall. A falling tree could damage or injure people, property, pets and vehicles. Signs of a structural defect include dead branches, rotten wood, large cracks, loose bark and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you suspect your property has a hazard tree, schedule a tree removal service as soon as possible.
Tree removal companies offer a variety of services. In addition to removing trees, many companies offer the following:
Experts Ready to Help
Think about these factors to select the best tree removal company for your needs.
A tree removal company's staff arborist is the right expert to get your tree care questions answered. They'll tap into their extensive scientific training to evaluate your tree's health and provide the necessary treatments, including restoration or removal if the tree poses a falling hazard. Arborists are also a valuable resource for advice on planting, pruning and moving trees. Virginia 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 get certified. ISA-certified arborists have the knowledge, experience and skills to remove your tree.
Tree removal providers should have extensive insurance coverage, including workers compensation, general liability and business liability. These policies help protect you, your property and the company’s workers in the event of an accident. In Virginia, tree removal professionals must have a license from the state Board for Contractors to complete any work valued at over 1,000. Always verify that your tree removal service provider is properly licensed before signing a contract.
A tree risk assessment (TRA) can help you decide if removing a potentially dangerous tree is necessary. During a TRA appointment, an arborist will determine the chance the tree could fall and what damage could ensue. They'll begin by inspecting the tree from afar for clear damage indicators. Next, they'll circle the tree up close, inspecting its trunk, crown and roots. Some arborists use specialized equipment to analyze the tree's interior.
Most tree removal companies provide complimentary estimates and consultations. Collect estimates from several providers and compare rates to find the best value.
Ask family, friends and neighbors for suggestions on reputable tree removal companies in your area. It's also wise to browse online reviews on sites like BBB, Yelp and Google Reviews.
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.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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