10 best tree removal companies in Tacoma, Washington

Healthy trees can increase your home's curb appeal and bring shade to your yard, but unhealthy trees pose risks to your property. You may need to remove a tree if it's decaying, diseased or threatening your home's architecture. Tree removal is also important for mitigating fire risk, as dead trees are more flammable than live ones. Licensed professionals have the right equipment and experience to remove a tree from your property safely.

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

Tree removal experts know the proper cutting techniques and use specialized machinery to remove trees according to local ordinances. By working with a reputable tree removal company in Tacoma, you can be more confident that the job will get done safely and properly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Tacoma

Look for tree removal companies in Tacoma 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 see severe damage or decay, or if its roots or offshoots are encroaching on your house. The number of decayed trees in Tacoma is really low compared to other American cities. Consider seeking advice from a tree removal professional if any of the following apply to your tree:

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

Trees that are leaning or have raised dirt encircling the tree trunk base are at a high risk of falling. If you notice either of these signs, contact a professional tree removal team right away to evaluate the damage and remove the tree before it causes harm.

What is a hazard tree?

When a tree has irreparable structural defects that put it at high risk of falling, it becomes a hazard tree, sometimes called a danger tree. Falling trees can cause considerable property damage and seriously injure people and pets. Signs of structural defects include large cracks, dead branches, loose bark, rotten wood and hollow cavities near the tree base. If you have a hazard tree on your property, get it removed right away.

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 companies can help with these other jobs:

• Stump removal: Once the removal crew finishes cutting down your tree, only the stump will be left. You can grind the stump down so it will more easily decompose. A more expensive option is to completely remove the stump, which guarantees the tree won't regrow.
• Debris removal: Debris like logs, branches and leaves is often left behind after tree removal. Some companies can use dump trucks or flatbeds to haul debris away.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal specialists can use wood chippers to break down tree trunks and branches. You can use the chips as mulch for your flower beds.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that provides landscaping services, the team could help fill up holes or add a healthy tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Tacoma

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

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

A tree removal company's staff arborist is the right expert to get your tree care questions answered. They'll tap into their extensive scientific training to assess your tree's specific needs and provide the necessary treatments, including restoration or removal if the tree poses a falling hazard. Arborists are also a valuable resource for advice on moving, pruning 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 get certified. ISA-certified arborists have the knowledge, skills and experience to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

Choose a tree removal company insured for business liability, general liability and workers compensation. 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. 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

A tree risk assessment (TRA) can help you confirm if removing a potentially dangerous tree is the best decision. After you ask for a TRA, an arborist will determine your tree's fall risk and what damage could come from a fall. The arborist will first examine the tree from a distance to look for obvious signs of damage. They will then walk around the tree to inspect its roots, crown and trunk. Some arborists use particular equipment to study the tree's insides.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

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