10 best tree removal companies in Silver Firs, Washington

Healthy trees improve your home's curb appeal and bring welcome shade to your yard. However, unhealthy trees can present significant dangers 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 with the right equipment and experience to safely remove hazard trees from your property.

It's crucial to remove diseased trees, trees with high fall risk and trees that are damaging your foundation. However, undertaking this task yourself increases the potential for personal injury and property damage.

Tree removal professionals have mastered the proper cutting techniques and utilize specialized tools to remove trees while adhering to local ordinances and permit requirements. Working with a reputable tree removal company in Silver Firs guarantees that the job will be performed safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Silver Firs

Look for tree removal companies in Silver Firs 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 observe severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are growing too close to your house. The number of decayed trees in Silver Firs is very low compared to other small towns. If you notice any of the following warning signs, contact a tree removal expert.

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

Leaning trees or trees with elevated soil around the tree trunk base are at a high risk of falling. If you see either of these signs, contact a qualified tree removal expert right away to evaluate the damage and safely remove the tree before it causes harm.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, contain structural defects beyond repair, making them more prone to fall. A falling tree could damage or injure property, people, vehicles and pets. Signs of a structural defect include loose bark, rotten wood, large cracks, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you believe your property has a hazard tree, get it removed immediately.

What other tree services might you need?

Apart from cutting down trees, some tree removal companies offer a range of supplementary services, such as these:

• Wood chipping: A tree removal specialist can use a wood chipper to shred the trunk and branches after the tree has been removed. Afterward, you can use the chips in your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as logs, branches and leaves. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• Stump removal: After removing a tree, only the stump remains. Based on your budget and needs, a service professional can completely remove the stump 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 grow back.
• Landscaping services: Some tree removal professionals provide landscaping services. If you hire one of these companies, you could add a fresh tree or cover the space where the stump was located.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Silver Firs

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

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

An arborist is a scientific specialist who can examine your tree's requirements and advise you on the correct care. This can include revitalizing its health or removing it if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for planting, pruning and transplanting 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 three years of field experience and pass an exam to obtain the certification. ISA-certified arborists have the experience, knowledge and skills to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company with insurance covering business liability, workers compensation and general 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

Getting a tree risk assessment (TRA) helps you determine whether tree removal is the right step and can underscore the benefits of removing a potentially hazardous tree. To perform a TRA, an arborist starts by looking for clear signs of damage from a distance. Then, they'll circle around the tree, closely inspecting the roots, crown and trunk. Sometimes, arborists use advanced gear to study the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free consultations and estimates. We recommend getting at least two estimates to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask people you know for tree removal company suggestions. While referrals from trusted sources can be valuable, it's still wise to read online reviews on Yelp, Google Reviews and BBB before making your choice.

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.