10 best tree removal companies in Seattle, Washington

Healthy trees boost your home's curb appeal and give welcome shade to your yard. However, unhealthy trees can present significant dangers to your property. If a tree is diseased, decaying or threatening your home's architecture, you might need 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 remove 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. Attempting to do the job alone could result in personal injury or property damage.

Tree removal experts know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized equipment to remove trees according to local regulations. By working with a reputable tree removal company in Seattle, you can have more confidence that the job will get done safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Seattle

Look for tree removal companies in Seattle 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 encroaching on your home. The number of decayed trees in Seattle is somewhat high compared to other major metro areas. Consider getting an estimate from a tree removal specialist if any of the following apply to your tree:

The tree's roots are making your home's foundation 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 is dropping an unusual amount of sap, leaves, needles, seeds or branches. The tree has pests, diseases or mold weakening its structure. The tree has damage from heavy rain or thunderstorms. The tree or its branches are too close to your home, garage or shed.

Leaning trees and trees with elevated dirt surrounding their trunk bases are at higher risk 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 increase their risk of falling. A falling tree could seriously endanger property, pets, people and vehicles. Rotten wood, loose bark, large cracks, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base are all indicators of structural defects. If you believe your property has a hazard tree, get it removed immediately.

What other tree services might you need?

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

• Wood chipping: Tree removal crews often use wood chippers to chip tree trunks and branches. If you'd like, you can use the chips as mulch to promote plant growth in your garden.
• 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.
• Debris removal: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover branches, leaves and logs away from your home.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can help you fill holes left over from stump removal or plant a fresh tree where your old one stood.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Seattle

To choose 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 relevant solutions, such as restoring its health or safely removing it to mitigate fall risk. Arborists also offer guidance on pruning, moving and planting trees. Washington does not require arborists to get a license, 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 knowledge, skills and experience to remove your tree.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company insured for workers compensation, general liability and business liability. A contractor's insurance policy serves as a safety net for you, your property and the company's team members in case something goes wrong while they work. In Washington, tree removal professionals must have a license from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. To obtain this license, a contractor must be bonded and insured. Always verify that potential tree removal service providers are properly licensed before hiring.

Request a tree risk assessment

To determine if removing a tree is the right choice, have a tree risk assessment (TRA). To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by searching for clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll walk around the tree, closely inspecting the trunk, roots and crown. Sometimes, arborists use specialized gear to study the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Most tree removal companies provide complimentary consultations and price quotes. Get quotes from several providers and compare rates to find the best value.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask friends, neighbors and family for recommendations for 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.