10 best tree removal companies in Springfield, Pennsylvania

Healthy trees elevate 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. Entrust the job to licensed professionals with 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 extremely risky if done improperly. Attempting to do the job by yourself could result in property damage or personal injury.

Tree removal professionals know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized tools to remove trees according to local ordinances. By working with a reputable tree removal company in Springfield, you can have more confidence that the job will get done safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Springfield

Look for tree removal companies in Springfield 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 has evidence 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 Springfield is relatively high compared to other small towns. If you see any of the following signs, contact a tree removal professional.

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

Leaning trees and trees with elevated dirt around their trunk bases are at higher risk of falling. Contact a reputable tree removal company as soon as you can if you see either of these signs, and have the tree professionally examined.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, also known as danger trees, contain structural defects beyond repair, making them more likely to fall. Falling trees can cause considerable property damage and seriously injure people and pets. Signs of a structural defect include dead branches, large cracks, rotten wood, loose bark and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, have it removed as soon as possible.

What other tree services might you need?

Tree removal companies offer a variety of services. In addition to removing trees, many companies offer the following:

• Debris removal: Tree removal contractors can use flatbed or dump trucks to haul leftover logs, branches and leaves away from your home.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal specialists can use wood chippers to shred tree trunks and branches. You can use the chips as mulch for your flower beds.
• Stump removal: After the team finishes removing your tree, only the stump will be left. You can choose to grind down the stump so what's left of the tree will 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: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can assist in covering holes left over from stump removal or plant a healthy tree where your old one stood.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Springfield

To select the best tree removal company for your needs, think about these factors.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

Arborists are scientific experts that help you care for your trees. They may recommend restoring the tree's health or removal if a tree has a high fall risk. Arborists can also offer valuable insights on planting, moving and pruning trees to help them grow properly and last for years. Pennsylvania 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 earn certification. ISA-certified arborists have the knowledge, experience and skills to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Tree removal providers should carry extensive insurance coverage, including business liability, workers compensation and general liability. These policies help protect you, your property and the company’s workers in the event of an accident. City and county governments often set their own tree removal licensing regulations. Pennsylvania doesn't license these companies at the state level. We recommend checking with the Springfield building department and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

By getting a tree risk assessment (TRA), you'll get a professional opinion on whether removing a tree is necessary. The assessment also details the risks of keeping 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, trunk and crown. Sometimes, arborists use advanced gear to evaluate the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Most tree removal companies provide complimentary quotes and consultations. Collect quotes from at least two providers and compare rates to find the best value.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask for tree removal company referrals from trusted neighbors, friends and family. Even if someone you trust refers you, take the time to read online reviews on Google Reviews, Yelp and BBB 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.