10 best tree removal companies in Towson, Maryland

Healthy trees add to your home's curb appeal and create a shady retreat in your yard. Unhealthy trees, however, can jeopardize your property. Removing a tree may be necessary if it is diseased, decaying 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 tree removal professionals in Towson can use their equipment and experience to help you safely remove a tree from your property.

Removing diseased trees and other trees with high fall risk is critical for your property's safety. However, trying to tackle the project yourself could result in serious injury and costly property damage.

When you hire a reputable tree removal company in Towson, you'll have a skilled team to safely remove your tree with specialized cutting techniques and equipment in accordance with local regulations.

Find the best local tree removal companies for you in Towson

Look for tree removal companies in Towson 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 Towson is average compared to other parts of the country. It's wise to contact a professional tree removal contractor if you observe any of these alerts:

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

If you see raised dirt near the base of the tree trunk, or if the tree is visibly beginning to lean, it's in danger 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?

When a tree has irreparable structural defects that put it at significant risk of falling, it becomes a hazard tree, sometimes called a danger tree. Falling trees can cause extensive 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 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, leaves and branches away from your home.
• Wood chipping: A tree removal professional can use a wood chipper to shred the trunk and branches following the tree's removal. Afterward, you can spread the mulch in your garden to enhance plant growth.
• Stump removal: Only the stump will remain once a tree removal job is complete. 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 easily. Stump removal is more expensive than grinding, but it guarantees that the tree won't regrow.
• Landscaping services: If you hire a tree removal company that provides landscaping services, the team could help fill leftover holes or plant a new, healthy tree.

How to choose the best tree removal service in Towson

To find the right tree removal company for your needs, think about these factors.

Ask whether the company has a licensed arborist on staff

An arborist is a scientific specialist who can study your tree's needs 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. To work in Towson, an arborist needs a Tree Expert license from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. 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 experience, knowledge and skills to help with your tree removal.

Make sure the company is licensed and insured

When hiring a tree removal company, make sure it carries comprehensive insurance coverage, including general liability, business liability and workers compensation. This coverage can financially protect you if an accident happens. All tree care professionals in Maryland must be Licensed Tree Experts (LTEs) through the Department of Natural Resources. To become an LTE, individuals must demonstrate appropriate education and experience and must carry appropriate insurance. Ensure that potential tree removal service providers are licensed before hiring.

Request a tree risk assessment

A tree risk assessment (TRA) can help you decide if removing a potentially dangerous tree is necessary. After you call for a TRA, an arborist will evaluate your tree's potential to fall and what damage could result from a fall. The arborist will first visually assess the tree from a distance to search for obvious signs of damage. They will then walk around the tree to inspect its crown, roots and trunk. Some arborists use specialized equipment to study the tree's insides.

Get a free estimate

Many tree removal companies offer a free consultation and services estimate. Get estimates from multiple companies to compare prices and recommendations.

Read reviews from homeowners

Ask neighbors, family and friends for recommendations for tree removal services near you. It's also wise to read online reviews on sites like BBB, Yelp and Google Reviews.

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.