10 best tree removal companies in Thornton, Colorado

Healthy trees enhance 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 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.

You should prioritize removing trees that are diseased, have a high fall risk, or which are compromising your foundation. However, attempting to do it yourself could result in property damage or injury.

Tree removal professionals are knowledgeable about the proper cutting techniques and use specialized tools to remove trees in accordance with local ordinances and permit requirements. Choosing a reputable tree removal company in Thornton gives you confidence that the job will be performed safely and correctly.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Thornton

Look for tree removal companies in Thornton 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 shows indications 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 Thornton is low compared to other parts of the country. It's wise to speak with a professional tree removal contractor if you spot any of these warning signs:

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

Trees that are leaning or have raised dirt around the tree trunk base are at a high risk of falling. Contact a tree removal professional as soon as possible to evaluate the extent of the damage and take down the tree 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 damage or injure people, property, vehicles and pets. Rotten wood, dead branches, loose bark, large cracks and hollow cavities near the tree base are all indicators of structural defects. If you believe your property has a hazard tree, have it removed immediately.

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:

• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain following a tree removal. A professional might recommend removing the stump altogether based on the circumstances. They may also grind the stump so the tree's remnants decompose more quickly. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that the tree won't regrow.
• Wood chipping: Tree removal contractors can use wood chippers to break down tree trunks and branches. You can use the chips as mulch for your flower beds.
• Debris removal: Tree removal usually leaves behind large debris such as branches, leaves and logs. A professional can use a dump truck or flatbed to haul away debris.
• Landscaping services: Tree removal contractors sometimes offer landscaping services. They can help you fill 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 Thornton

Find the right tree removal company for your project by considering these factors.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

An arborist is a scientific professional who can study your tree's requirements and advise you on the proper care. This can include revitalizing its health or removing it if it's in danger of falling. Arborists also provide recommendations for planting, transplanting and pruning trees. Colorado does not require arborists to be licensed, 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

When hiring a tree removal company, ensure it has comprehensive insurance, including general liability, workers compensation and business liability. This coverage safeguards you, your property and the company's employees if an accident occurs during the job. County and city governments often set their own tree removal licensing requirements. No state license is required for contractors in Colorado that only remove trees. We recommend contacting the Thornton government and your county to ensure a prospective contractor is properly licensed.

Request a tree risk assessment

To determine if removing a tree is the best choice, have a professional tree risk assessment (TRA). After you request a TRA, an arborist will determine your tree's potential to fall and what damage could come from a fall. The arborist will first visually assess the tree from a distance to identify obvious signs of damage. They will then walk around the tree to inspect its trunk, crown and roots. Some arborists use particular equipment to study the tree's insides.

Get a free estimate

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

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask those closest to you for tree removal contractor referrals. While suggestions from loved ones are insightful, take time to read online reviews on BBB, Google Reviews 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.