10 best tree removal companies in Stratford, Connecticut

While healthy trees enhance your home's curb appeal and give your yard refreshing shade, unhealthy trees present potential hazards 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. To ensure your hazardous tree gets removed safely, call on licensed professionals with the right equipment and experience.

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

Tree removal professionals 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 Stratford, you can be more confident that the job will get done safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Stratford

Look for tree removal companies in Stratford 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 notice severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are growing too close to your house. The number of decayed trees in Stratford is average compared to other American cities. Seek advice from a tree removal professional if you notice any of the following signs:

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

If you see raised dirt near the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is visibly starting to lean, it's at a high risk of falling. Contact a tree removal professional as soon as possible to assess the extent of the damage and take down the tree if necessary.

What is a hazard tree?

Hazard trees, sometimes referred to as danger trees, have structural defects which are beyond repair, increasing the chance they will fall. Falling trees can cause significant property damage and gravely hurt people and pets. Signs of a structural defect include large cracks, rotten wood, loose bark, dead branches and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, have it removed immediately.

What other tree services might you need?

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

• Stump removal: After removing a tree, only the stump is left. Depending on your budget and needs, a service professional can remove the stump altogether 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 regrow.
• Debris removal: Debris like leaves, branches and logs is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal professionals often use wood chippers to chip tree trunks and branches. If you'd like, you can use the chips as mulch to nourish your garden plants.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that offers landscaping services, the team could help level holes or plant a new, healthy tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Stratford

Find the right tree removal company for your project using these considerations.

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. Arborists in Stratford need a license from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). They can also pursue a private certification from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Certification requires three years of experience and passage of an exam. Licensed and ISA Certified arborists have the skills, experience and knowledge to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company insured for business liability, workers compensation and general liability. A contractor's insurance policy acts as a safety net for you, your property and the company's team members in case something goes wrong while they work. City and county governments often set their own tree removal licensing regulations. A contractor in Stratford doesn't need a state license if tree removal is all they offer. We recommend checking with Stratford building officials and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

A tree risk assessment (TRA) can help you decide if removing a potentially dangerous tree is the best decision. During a TRA appointment, an arborist will assess the chance the tree could fall and what damage could result. They'll begin by inspecting the tree from afar for clear damage indicators. Next, they'll walk around the tree up close, inspecting its roots, crown and trunk. Some arborists use specialized equipment to analyze the tree's interior.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer free consultations and estimates. We recommend getting more than one estimate to compare recommendations and prices.

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 Yelp, Google Reviews 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.