10 best tree removal companies in Salem, Oregon

While healthy trees improve 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, 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. To ensure your hazardous tree gets removed safely, turn to licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience.

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 risky if done improperly. Trying to do the job by yourself could lead to personal injury or property damage.

Tree removal professionals understand the proper cutting techniques and utilize specialized equipment to remove trees while adhering to local regulations. Partnering with a reputable tree removal company in Salem gives you confidence that the job will be executed safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Salem

Look for tree removal companies in Salem 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 shows indications 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 Salem is below average compared to other parts of the country. If you see any of the following warning signs, consider hiring a tree removal expert.

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

If you notice raised dirt near the tree trunk's base, or if the tree is visibly beginning to lean, it's at risk of falling. Contact a reputable tree removal company right away if you notice either of these signs, and have the tree professionally assessed.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, contain irreparable structural defects making them more prone to fall. Falling trees can pose a serious threat to property, pets, people and vehicles. Rotten wood, loose bark, dead branches, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base are all indicators of structural defects. If you have a hazard tree in your yard, have it removed as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Apart from cutting down trees, some tree removal companies offer a variety of additional services, including the following:

• Wood chipping: As the team removes your tree section by section, they might use a wood chipper to shred the tree parts. Consider giving the tree a second life by using the chips as mulch for your garden.
• Debris removal: Debris like logs, leaves and branches is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• 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 regrow.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals double as landscapers. When working with one of these companies, you could plant a new tree or fill the hole where the stump was located.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Salem

To select the right tree removal company for your needs, consider these factors.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A licensed arborist can assess your tree's condition and offer appropriate solutions, such as restoring its health or safely removing it to mitigate fall risk. Arborists also offer guidance on pruning, moving and planting trees. Oregon does not require arborists to be licensed, 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 obtain the certification. ISA-certified arborists have the skills, experience and knowledge to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, make sure it has comprehensive insurance coverage, including workers compensation, business liability and general liability. This coverage can financially protect you if an accident happens. 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

By getting a tree risk assessment (TRA), you'll receive professional advice on whether removing a tree is necessary. The assessment also presents 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 visually evaluate the tree from a distance, looking for obvious damage signs. Next, they'll inspect the roots, trunk and crown by circumnavigating the tree. Some arborists use specific tools to examine the tree's internal structure.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal contractors offer free consultations and service estimates. Obtain quotes from multiple companies to assess their prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

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